FAQ Directory

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about NCQA’s various programs. If you don’t see what you are looking for in one of the entries below, you can  ask a question through My NCQA.

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8.24.2018 What is Long-term Services and Supports Distinction for Case Management Organizations?

NCQA LTSS Distinction for Case Management Organizations is a complementary program designed to support organizations that provide comprehensive clinical case management services and coordinate social services for LTSS populations. The program standards provide a framework for organizations to deliver efficient, effective person-centered care that meets people’s needs, helps keep people in their preferred setting and aligns with state requirements.

This applies to the following Programs and Years:
CM 2017

8.24.2018 What is Utilization Management Accreditation?

NCQA Utilization Management Accreditation is a comprehensive program that evaluates the operations of organizations providing full-scope utilization management services, which include using evidence-based criteria, relevant clinical information and qualified health professionals to make utilization management decisions.

This applies to the following Programs and Years:
UM-CR 2017, 2016, 2013|UM-CR-PN 2018, 2019

8.24.2018 What is the price for Health Plan Accreditation?

Pricing is based on multiple factors. Obtain full pricing information by submitting a request through My NCQA.

This applies to the following Programs and Years:
HP 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

8.24.2018 What is Provider Network Accreditation?

NCQA Provider Network Accreditation is a comprehensive, evidence-based program dedicated to quality improvement that evaluates the accessibility and transparency of organization networks and credentialing of practitioners and providers. NCQA-Accredited organizations demonstrate they have the internal processes and procedures to effectively manage access to care and member experience while ensuring that practitioners and providers are appropriately credentialed.

This applies to the following Programs and Years:
UM-CR-PN 2018, 2019

8.24.2018 How long does it take to earn Health Plan Accreditation?

The typical evaluation time frame is 12 months from application submission to decision, depending on an organization’s readiness. Some organizations may already be working within NCQA guidelines.

This applies to the following Programs and Years:
HP 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

8.24.2018 What other organizations have earned Managed Behavioral Healthcare Accreditation?

More than 30 organizations have earned NCQA Health Plan Accreditation. See the NCQA Report Card for a directory of accredited organizations.

This applies to the following Programs and Years:
MBHO 2017, 2018, 2019

8.24.2018 What organizations are eligible for Health Plan Accreditation?

Any organization that provides managed health care services may apply for the NCQA Health Plan Accreditation if it meets the following criteria:

  • Operates under an insurance license (e.g., HMO, POS, PPO, EPO), and
  • Issues a contract for insurance for a defined population or contracts with an employer to provide managed care services for a self-insured population, and
  • Provides services through an organized delivery system that includes ambulatory and inpatient health care sites, and
  • Performs functions addressed in the standards (quality improvement, care coordination, utilization management, credentialing, member rights and responsibilities), either directly or through a service agreement, and
  • Has a process for monitoring, evaluating and improving the quality and safety of care provided to its members, and
  • Reports audited HEDIS results for designated HEDIS measures and CAHPS ratings and composites, as required for the selected Evaluation Option.

This applies to the following Programs and Years:
HP 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

8.24.2018 How long does it take to earn Managed Behavioral Healthcare Accreditation?

The typical evaluation time frame is 12 months from application submission to decision, depending on an organization’s readiness. Some organizations may already be working within NCQA guidelines.

This applies to the following Programs and Years:
MBHO 2017, 2018, 2019

8.24.2018 What are Health Plan Accreditation requirements?

NCQA standards are a roadmap for improvement—organizations use them to perform a gap analysis and align improvement activities with areas that are most important to states and employers, such as network adequacy and consumer protection. Standards help plans in:

  • Quality Management and Improvement.
  • Population Health Management.
  • Network Management.
  • Utilization Management.
  • Credentialing and Recredentialing.
  • Members’ Rights and Responsibilities.
  • Member Connections.
  • Medicaid Benefits and Services.

This applies to the following Programs and Years:
HP 2018, 2019, 2020

8.24.2018 What is the price for Managed Behavioral Healthcare Accreditation?

Pricing is based on multiple factors. Obtain full pricing information by submitting a request through My NCQA.

This applies to the following Programs and Years:
MBHO 2017, 2018, 2019

8.24.2018 What is the price for the LTSS Distinction for Case Management Organizations?

Pricing is based on multiple factors. Obtain full pricing information by submitting a request through My NCQA.

This applies to the following Programs and Years:
CM 2017

8.24.2018 What is Wellness and Health Promotion Accreditation/Certification?

NCQA Wellness and Health Promotion Accreditation/Certification evaluates full and limited scope wellness program performance against the standards. Programs should appropriately address implementing a workplace program, protecting private health information and empowering participants to improve their health.

This applies to the following Programs and Years:
WHP 2014, Cert, 2016, Cert|2013 WHP|Cert 2014|2016 WHP