ProviderOne
Client Services Card and Magnetic Card Reader
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Last Updated 11/19/09
Magnetic Card Reader
Services Card
When the MAIDs are discontinued, what happens to the checks that are sent with the monthly MAID?
What services does the Services Card cover?
I read on the Internet that I would receive my card in 7-10 days. When will the cards be issued?
How will I know when DSHS plans on sending me my Services Card?
Should I start using the Services Card as soon as I receive it?
Magnetic
Card Reader
Q: The information related to the new Services Card readers did not clearly articulate what the provider would have to do to use the reader. Will the provider have to hire a programmer to hook up the reader to their computer system, does it integrate with their software or is it just a standalone plug and play kind of machine?
A: To use the optional readers for the Services Cards, providers will need (1) a reader compatible with the Services Cards and the network used by ProviderOne for eligibility data and (2) a monthly subscription to the eligibility data.
There are currently several compatible models with different features. Some stand alone and use a telephone line to connect and others use a USB connection to a computer to access eligibility information securely through the Internet. If a provider purchases a compatible reader and intends to use it only to access eligibility information through ProviderOne, they will likely be able to install it without outside assistance.
DSHS does not provide, sell, or endorse card readers. Providers are encouraged to shop for the model and vendor that best meets their needs. To ensure the providers would have at least one option for a reader compatible with the Services Card, the vendor for ProviderOne is required to make readers available for purchase by providers who request them. The models under the contract with Client Network Services, Inc. (CNSI) and MedData range from $100 to $400. The monthly subscription service is $15 a month for each reader with unlimited transactions and is only available through MedData – the designated secure network vendor for ProviderOne.
We suggest you visit the MedData website for detailed information about compatible models, specifications, and the eligibility subscription service: https://www.meddatahealth.com/MedData/ProviderOne
DSHS also has a fact sheet about Optional Magnetic Card Readers at http://hrsa.dshs.wa.gov/providerone/Providers/fact%20Sheets/P1PR008Swipe_Card_Readers.pdf
Q: Are there Services Cards available to
test with swipe card readers before ProviderOne is put into operation?
A: No. Services Cards are not available
for provider organizations to test prior to implementing ProviderOne. The swipe
card technology will not be active until ProviderOne is live.
Services
Card
Q: Will the magnetic strip on the Services Card experience problems if placed in a purse near a cell phone?
A: The strip on the Services Card uses the same level of magnetism as banks adhere to; therefore, the chance of a Services Card becoming demagnetized is the same as with an ATM card – if brought in contact with a rare earth magnet, it can be erased. But under normal conditions, the encoding will endure common stray magnetic fields and a cell phone will have no effect.
If a provider suspects that a magnetic strip has been demagnetized, he or she should try the transaction again. If it still doesn’t work, the provider should enter the ProviderOne client ID number manually, as the eligibility information is available without “swiping,” even with the card reader. The provider should then counsel the client to request a replacement card from DSHS.
Q: When the MAIDs are discontinued, what happens to the checks that are sent with the monthly MAID?
A: If you receive a check with your monthly MAID, beginning with ProviderOne implementation, you will receive checks separately in a brown envelope. Please visit the implementation schedule area of our Web site for updated information: http://hrsa.dshs.wa.gov/providerone/Projected%20Schedule.htm
Q: What services does the Services Card cover?
A: Your Services Card is valid and will cover medical, dental, and vision services if you are eligible.
Q: One advocate suggested that client advocate agencies get information that a client could give to their provider who may not recognize the new Services Card. A scenario was imagined where a client took the new card to a small provider who refused the client services because they were not familiar with the new card. What could the advocate give to the client to take back to the provider that would explain the new card and a short description of how to use the card?
A: In addition to the materials developed for clients, there are several ProviderOne materials developed to help providers understand how to use the Services Card and how to check eligibility in the absence of the Services Card – just as they can do with the Medical Assistance ID (MAID) today. These can be printed off of the provider fact sheet page on our website http://hrsa.dshs.wa.gov/providerone/Providers/Fact%20Sheets/FactSheets.htm We suggest Options for Verifying Client Eligibility. You may also find Client Services Card Will Replace MAID, DSHS is Changing to a New Client Identifier, and Optional Magnetic Card Reader useful.
All materials develop to help clients transition to the Services Card are on our webpage http://hrsa.dshs.wa.gov/providerone/Clients.htm To help us with the transition, please encourage our clients to bring both the Services Card and their last MAID (until it expires) to their appointments.
Q: I received a notice in September that new Services Cards were coming soon. When will the cards be issued?
A: The issuance of new medical assistance ID cards (called the Services Card) will coincide with the transition to a new provider payment computer system next year. In September, when you received the notice that the cards were coming soon, we expected that the new system would be put into operation by the end of the year. We now know that it will be sometime early 2010. We are currently working on the transition schedule.
Q: I read on the Internet that I would receive my card in 7-10 days. When will the cards be issued?
A: The information you saw on the Internet about clients receiving the card in 7-10 days was meant to inform the community about some of the differences from the paper Medical Assistance ID (MAID) issued today and the new Services Card after the transition is complete. The issuance of the Services Card will coincide with the transition to a new provider payment computer system next year. Once the new payment system and Services Cards are put into service, newly eligible clients – or clients requesting a replacement card – will receive their Services Card in about 7-10 days.
Q: How will I know when DSHS plans on sending me my Services Card?
A: DSHS will send Medicaid and General
Assistance Unemployable clients more information once the transition schedule
has been finalized, including when they can expect to receive their new
Services Card. The information will also be published on our Web site: http://hrsa.dshs.wa.gov/providerone/Clients.htm
Q: Should I start using the Services Card as soon as I receive it?
A: At first, when you have both a Services Card and a MAID, you should take both cards with you to any medical, dental or vision appointment. Once you no longer have a current MAID, just use your Services Card.