Market Research Services

Case Study: Enhancing Healthcare Access and Compliance for Indiana's Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP)

INTRODUCTION

Axon Advisors partnered with a leading health policy consulting group to conduct a qualitative research study evaluating Indiana's Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) commissioned by the State of Indiana, aimed at gathering insights into healthcare access, utilization, and outcomes among its members.

Challenge or Problem Statement

The primary challenges faced by HIP included enhancing healthcare access, promoting member understanding, and ensuring compliance with program requirements. Additionally, aligning HIP policies with commercial standards while minimizing coverage gaps posed significant obstacles.

Solution

Axon Advisors employed key informant interviews with Provider Associations and Indiana Navigators to gather insights into the challenges and perceptions surrounding the HIP program. Through a structured methodology, we aimed to understand the nuances of member experiences and identify areas for improvement.

Implementation:

Recruitment involved liaising with Indiana Medicaid and FSSA to connect with Provider Associations and Navigators. A standardized set of questions was utilized, mapped to research goals outlined by the prime consulting firm. Thematic analysis was employed to derive meaningful insights from interview data.

Results and Benefits

The study provided comprehensive insights into the experiences, perceptions, and challenges related to HIP. Key findings included opportunities to enhance healthcare access, improve member understanding, and streamline policy alignment. The recommendations derived from this study will inform potential improvements to the HIP program, facilitating better healthcare outcomes for Indiana residents.

Through rigorous methodology and insightful analysis, Axon Advisors facilitated a deeper understanding of the challenges surrounding Indiana's Healthy Indiana Plan, paving the way for targeted enhancements and improvements in healthcare delivery and compliance.

case Study: Quantitative Research Study for Medicaid HCBS Rate Methodology and Rate Setting

INTRODUCTION

A prominent provider of actuarial and consulting services, collaborated with Axon Advisors to conduct a quantitative research study for the State of Indiana's Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) rate methodology and rate setting services. The project aimed to address the complexities of HCBS waivers administered by various divisions of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA).

Challenge or Problem Statement

The State of Indiana faced several challenges in developing and updating rate methodologies for its HCBS programs. These challenges included the need to align rate methodologies across multiple divisions, reduce reliance on provider cost reports to minimize administrative burden, and incorporate value-based purchasing options while ensuring sustainability and transparency.

Solution

Axon Advisors employed a comprehensive provider survey to gather quantitative data essential for informing the prime contractor’s rate setting work. The survey design encompassed various aspects such as service utilization, provider costs, and perspectives on different rate methodologies. Axon Advisors leveraged its expertise to tailor the survey to capture nuanced insights relevant to the State's HCBS programs and address the specific goals outlined by the FSSA.

Implementation

The implementation process involved meticulous planning and coordination between Axon Advisors, the prime contractor, and the relevant stakeholders within the State of Indiana. Customizations were made to the survey instrument to ensure it resonated with the diverse provider landscape and accommodated the State's evolving priorities. Axon Advisors facilitated the administration of the survey, ensuring robust data collection from a representative sample of HCBS providers.

Results and Benefits

The implementation process involved meticulous planning and coordination between Axon Advisors, the prime contractor, and the relevant stakeh

The quantitative research study yielded tangible outcomes that significantly informed the development and refinement of HCBS rate methodologies for the State of Indiana. Key benefits derived from the study include:

- Enhanced alignment and transparency: The survey data enabled the State to streamline and standardize rate methodologies across different HCBS waivers, promoting clarity and consistency for providers.

- Improved sustainability: By incorporating alternative sources of information and exploring tiered and bundled rate methodologies, the State achieved greater sustainability in rate setting, ensuring adequate participant access to services while aligning with budgetary constraints.

- Promotion of person-centeredness and value-based purchasing: Insights from the survey informed the adoption of value-based purchasing strategies, aligning financial incentives with HCBS outcomes and fostering person-centered practices within the Medicaid programs.

Overall, the quantitative research study conducted by Axon Advisors facilitated evidence-based decision-making and empowered the State of Indiana to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of its HCBS rate setting processes.

olders within the State of Indiana. Customizations were made to the survey instrument to ensure it resonated with the diverse provider landscape and accommodated the State's evolving priorities. Axon Advisors facilitated the administration of the survey, ensuring robust data collection from a representative sample of HCBS providers.

Case Study: Assessing Medicaid and CHIP MCP Network Adequacy

INTRODUCTION

An External Quality Review Organization (EQRO), is dedicated to evaluating and improving the quality of healthcare services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries in Indiana. As part of their ongoing efforts, they sought to assess the adequacy of Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Managed Care Plans (MCPs) networks to ensure timely and accessible care for beneficiaries.

Challenge or Problem Statement

Medicaid and CHIP MCPs are mandated to maintain provider networks meeting quantitative standards, including time and distance requirements, provider-to-enrollee ratios, and appointment availability. However, accurately evaluating network adequacy and identifying gaps in access can be challenging. The EQRO contractor faced the task of conducting a Secret Shopper Survey, a critical component of the assessment process, to gather objective data from healthcare providers while minimizing bias.

Solution

To address this challenge, Axon Advisors collaborated with the EQRO to administer the Secret Shopper Survey. Leveraging our expertise in quantitative research methodologies, we designed a comprehensive survey protocol aligned with CMS guidelines and tailored to the specific requirements of the 2024 ANA protocol. Our solution ensured objective data collection by employing trained secret shoppers to evaluate the accuracy of provider information, MCO affiliations, and appointment availability.

Implementation

The implementation process involved meticulous planning and coordination between Axon Advisors, the prime contractor, and the relevant stakehThe implementation process involved close collaboration with the EQRO to understand the nuances of the ANA protocol and tailor the survey methodology accordingly. Axon Advisors meticulously trained secret shoppers to adhere to established protocols and maintain anonymity during survey interactions. Additionally, we developed customized survey instruments and data collection procedures to capture relevant metrics such as provider acceptance of new patients and average appointment wait times.

Results and Benefits

Through our Secret Shopper Survey, the EQRO gained valuable insights into the adequacy of Medicaid and CHIP MCP networks, enabling informed decision-making to improve healthcare access for beneficiaries. Key benefits of our approach included:

- Objective Data Collection: By utilizing trained secret shoppers, we minimized potential bias and ensured the reliability of survey findings.

- Identification of Gaps: The survey revealed areas of improvement, such as inaccuracies in provider information and challenges in accessing timely appointments, enabling targeted interventions.

- Compliance with Regulatory Standards: Our solution aligned with CMS guidelines, helping the EQRO fulfill its mandate of assessing network adequacy and supporting state-level quality improvement initiatives.

Overall, the collaboration between Axon Advisors and the EQRO facilitated a successful Secret Shopper Survey, contributing to the enhancement of Medicaid and CHIP healthcare delivery in Indiana.

Market Research Services

Case Study: Enhancing Healthcare Access and Compliance for Indiana's Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP)

case Study: Quantitative Research Study for Medicaid HCBS Rate Methodology and Rate Setting

Case Study: Assessing Medicaid and CHIP MCP Network Adequacy

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