Ten states participating in Medicaid incentive programs

The Medicaid Incentives for Prevention of Chronic Diseases (MIPCD) initiative, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is the biggest thing going in Medicaid wellness programs right now.

Read: Medicaid incentives: worth the effort?

In September 2011, 10 States were awarded demonstration grants to implement chronic disease prevention approaches for their Medicaid enrollees to test the use of incentives to encourage behavior change. These States are required to demonstrate Medicaid beneficiary changes in health risks and outcomes.

These are the 10 states participating in the initiative, with a summary of each state’s goal(s), according to the HHS Initial Report to Congress on the MIPCD program, November 2013.

California (smoking cessation). Targeted conditions and behaviors across state programs include smoking, diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. California is targeting smoking cessation among patients with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, racial and ethnic minorities and pregnant women and mothers of newborns.

Connecticut (smoking cessation among the mentally ill and among pregnant women and mothers of newborns). The greatest number of states are targeting diabetes and smoking (six states each), while the fewest number of States are targeting hyperlipidemia (three States).

Hawaii (early detection of diabetes among high-risk individuals, better self-management among individuals with diabetes). Even when a State is not targeting more than one condition, it may address other conditions or behaviors that serve as barriers. Hawaii is targeting diabetes but will address smoking, weight management, high cholesterol, blood pressure control, and behavioral health issues if they are impeding diabetes self-management.

Minnesota (increased weight loss as a step toward reduced diabetes incidence and improved cardiovascular health). The state is focusing on Medicaid-Medicare enrollees.

Montana (weight loss resulting in lipid and blood pressure levels and preventing type 2 diabetes). The state is focusing on Medicaid-Medicare enrollees.

Nevada (weight control, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and prevention or better management of diabetes). The state is focusing on Medicaid-Medicare enrollees and children.

New Hampshire (smoking cessation and weight loss among the mentally ill). The state is focusing on Medicaid-Medicare enrollees.  

New York (smoking cessation; hypertension management; diabetes prevention and management). The state is focusing on Medicaid-Medicare enrollees and pregnant women and mothers of newborns.

Texas (improved health management, increased use of preventive services and more-appropriate use of healthcare services; individuals’ goals can include weight loss, reduced smoking, increased physical activity, etc.) Texas is also targeting managing behavioral health conditions, increasing satisfaction with healthcare, and making progress toward personal health goals.

Wisconsin (smoking cessation; one of the two study arms focuses on pregnant women). The state is focusing on Medicaid-Medicare enrollees, pregnant women and mothers of newborns, and racial/ethnic minorities.