FAQ Directory: Health Plan Accreditation

The intent of the added language in factors 2 and 3 was to clarify the minimum information required for expedited appeals. NCQA recognizes these are new requirements, and for this reason, has added the following language to the scope of review:

Organizations must implement the changes in factors 2 and 3 for files processed on or after 11/1/18.

NCQA will post an update in December for the 2019 HP publication to reflect this change.

HP 2019

NCQA Health Plan Medicaid Module is a complementary program designed to support NCQA-Accredited health plans with a Medicaid product line. The combination of the module standards and NCQA Health Plan Accreditation maximize alignment with the Medicaid Managed Care program requirements. This improves a plan’s opportunity to receive a streamlined state compliance review.

NCQA developed the module by analyzing changes to state and federal requirements for the Medicaid Managed Care programs, as outlined in the Medicaid Managed Care Rule.

HP 2020

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

HP 2020

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

HP 2020

Over 1,000 health plan products have earned NCQA Health Plan Accreditation. See the NCQA Report Card for a directory of accredited organizations.

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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.

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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.

HP 2020

An organization is eligible for the NCQA Health Plan Medicaid Module if:

• Its Medicaid product line has a current NCQA Accreditation status as a First or Renewal Survey, or
• It is seeking accreditation for its Medicaid product line under NCQA HP Accreditation as an Interim, First or Renewal Survey.

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If you are not currently accredited and want to learn more, contact NCQA. If you are currently accredited and want to talk to someone about your status or about renewing or adding accreditations, submit a question through My NCQA.

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The first step to earning distinction is a discussion with an NCQA program expert. Purchase and review the program resources, conduct a gap analysis and submit your online application.

Align your organization’s processes with the standards. NCQA conducts the survey and determines your distinction status within 30 days of the final review.

See a step-by-step process.

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• Use the NCQA Health Plan Accreditation standards to perform a gap analysis and determine improvement areas. They provide a framework for implementing evidence-based, best practices help plans improve in areas of:
  • QI process.
  • Population health management.
  • Practitioner network and access to care.
  • Utilization management processes.
  • Credentialing and recredentialing processes.
  • Members’ rights and responsibilities.
  • Member connection.
  • Medicaid service requirements.
• Satisfy state requirements and employer needs. The standards align with many state requirements.

HP 2020

If you are not currently accredited and want to learn more, contact NCQA. If you are currently accredited and want to talk to someone about your status or about renewing or adding accreditations, submit a question through My NCQA.

HP 2020