passporttohealthmanual

Passport to Health Manual

To print this manual, right click your mouse and choose "print". Printing the manual material found at this website for long-term use is not advisable. Department Policy material is updated periodically and it is the responsibility of the users to check and make sure that the policy they are researching or applying has the correct effective date for their circumstances.

Update Log

Publication History

This publication supersedes all previous Passport to Health guides and manuals. First published by the Department of Public Health and Human Services, December 2003.

Updated September 2004, September 2005, March 2008, May 2009, September 2013, August 2015, November 2015, September 2017, January 2019, January 2020, and March 2022.

Update Log

04/01/2022

Removed Nurse Advice Line references.
Updated IHS referral information.

01/01/2020

Updated Co-Payment language and requirements to current rule.
Removed references to "patient" and "client" and replaced with "member".
Changed "Passport Lead" to "Passport Analyst".
Changed the term "Medicaid" to "Montana Healthcare Programs"
Removed HIP references. (Note: THIP is still included in this manual).

01/18/2019

Updated whole manual with current terms, programs, policies, and links.

09/29/2017
Passport to Health Manual converted to an HTML format and adapted to 508 Accessibility Standards.

11/09/2015
Passport to Health, November 2015: Passport Referrals

End of Update Log Chapter

Key Contacts and Websites

See the Contact Us link on the Montana Healthcare Programs Provider Information website for additional contact and website information.

Contact hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday, Mountain Standard Time, unless otherwise stated. The phone numbers designated instate will not work outside Montana. The numbers designated TDD and TYY have a telecommunication device for people who need assistance hearing. Persons with disabilities who need an alternative accessible format of this information, or who require some other reasonable accommodation to participate in Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus, should contact DPHHS through the Passport to Health program.

Fair Hearing or Administrative Review Request

To request a fair hearing or administrative review, email hhsofh@mt.gov

or deliver or mail the request to the address below:

Office of Fair Hearings
DPHHS
P.O. Box 202953
Helena MT 59620-2953

Telephone (406) 444-2470

DPHHS IHS/Tribal 638 Program

(406) 444-4540
(406) 444-1861 Fax
IHS/Tribal Program Officer
Hospital and Physician Services Bureau
DPHHS
P.O. Box 202951
Helena, MT 59620-2951

Interpreter Services

For forms and information on providing interpretive services to members, call the Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus at (406) 444-4540

Montana Relay Services

Telecommunications assistance for the hearing impaired.
Montana Relay Services email: relay@mt.gov

(800) 833-8503 Voice, TTY
(406) 444-1335 Voice, TTY

relay@mt.gov

Office of Human Resources and Office for Civil Rights

For complaints about alleged discrimination because of race, color, national origin, age or disability, or other protected classes hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

(406) 444-0262

Member Complaint Coordinator
Office of Human Resources
DPHHS
P.O. Box 4210
Helena, MT 59620-4210

(800) 368-1019
(800) 537-7697 TDD

Passport to Health

Members who have standard Medicaid/HMK Plus questions, are looking for a provider, or want to choose a Passport provider may call the Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Help Line:

(800) 362-8312 (in/out of state).

Providers with questions regarding Passport may contact the Conduent Passport Provider Analyst or the Passport program officer.

Conduent Passport Provider Analyst

(406) 457-9542
(406) 442-2328 Fax

Passport to Health Program
P.O. Box 254
Helena MT 59624-0254

Passport Program Officer

(406) 444-4540
(406) 444-1861 Fax

Passport to Health Program Officer

Providers who have policy or program questions and concerns or need to report errors, omission, or discrepancies in member utilization and cost reports may contact the Passport to Health program officer.

(406) 444-4540
(406) 444-1861 Fax

Passport to Health Program Officer
DPHHS
P.O. Box 202951
Helena MT 59620-2951

Team Care Program

For questions regarding the Team Care Program:

(406) 444-4540
(406) 444-1861 Fax

Team Care Program Officer
Member Health Management Bureau
P.O. Box 202951
Helena MT 59620-2951

End of Key Contacts and Websites Chapter

Program Overview

Passport to Health Program

Passport to Health is the primary care case management (PCCM) program for the following Montana Healthcare Programs: Standard Montana Healthcare Programs, Healthy Montana Kids Plus, and the HELP Program. The Passport to Health program provides case management related services that include locating, coordinating, and monitoring primary healthcare services. To achieve this, the Passport program works with the state’s other care coordination programs:

Team Care
Tribal Health Improvement Program (T-HIP)

Montana Medicaid and HMK Plus members who are eligible for Passport must enroll in the program. See the Member Enrollment and Eligibility Chapter of this manual for a list of members who are ineligible for Passport. Each member has a designated Passport provider such as a physician, mid-level practitioner, or primary care clinic.

The Passport provider delivers PCCM services to their members. This means they provide or coordinate the member’s care and make referrals to other Montana Healthcare Programs providers when necessary. With some exceptions, all services to Passport members must be provided or approved by the member’s Passport provider Montana Healthcare Programs will not reimburse for those services. The member’s Passport provider is also referred to as the primary care provider (PCP).

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) defines care coordination as “deliberately organizing member care activities and sharing information among all of the participants concerned with a member's care to achieve safer and more effective care. This means that the member’s needs and preferences are known ahead of time and communicated at the right time to the right people, and that this information is used to provide safe, appropriate, and effective care to the member.”

The PCCM model facilitates a strong member–provider relationship by providing primary, preventive, and routine services; managing and coordinating the member’s services; and acting as the front door to Montana Healthcare Programs services. To be an effective PCP, a provider’s office or facility must be:

Accessible. How long does it take for a member to get an appointment to see you? Can they e-mail you? Call you?
Continuous. Do you watch your members grow?
Comprehensive. Do you offer as many services as possible to your members in-house?
Coordinated. For example, do you have an effective method for determining when a diabetic member is due for a foot exam or when a child needs immunizations?
In the Context of Family and Community. How do you encourage family health and support? Are you aware of specialists and services available to your members in your area?

Program Goals

Ensure access to primary care.
Establish a partnership with the Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus member.
Provide continuous and coordinated care to maximize health outcomes.
Improve the continuity of care.
Encourage preventive healthcare.
Promote Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) services.
Reduce inappropriate use of medical services and medications.
Decrease non-emergent care in the emergency department (ED).
Reduce and control healthcare costs.

Rule References

Providers must be familiar with all current rules and regulations governing the Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus program. Provider manuals assist providers in billing Montana Healthcare Programs; they do not contain all Montana Healthcare Programs rules and regulations. Rule citations in the text are a reference tool; they are not a summary of the entire rule. Links to rules are available on the Provider Information website.

Paper copies of rules are available through the Secretary of State’s office. In addition to the general Montana Healthcare Programs rules outlined in the General Information for Providers Manual and the rules outlined in each program manual, the following rules and regulations are also applicable to the Passport to Health program:

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
- 42 CFR 438 Managed Care
Montana Code Annotated (MCA)
- MCA 53-6-116 – 53-6-117 Montana Healthcare Programs Managed Care – Capitated Health Care, Participation Requirements
- MCA 53-6-701 – 53-6-706 Montana Healthcare Programs Managed Care
Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM)
- ARM 37.86.5101 – 37.86.5120 Passport to Health Program

Getting Questions Answered

The Member Health Management Bureau, a part of the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), administers the Passport to Health program and determines services and policy. Manuals and other information are available on the Provider Information website.

The Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Member Help Line assists members with Passport to Health enrollment, helps them locate or change providers, and answers their Montana Healthcare Programs/ HMK Plus and Passport questions.

Provider Relations answers provider questions about Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus services, claims, and eligibility, and addresses provider concerns.

Providers may also call the Conduent Passport Provider Analyst to discuss problems or questions regarding Passport members or to enroll in Passport. See the Key Contacts and Websites chapter.

Providers should keep up with changes and updates to the Passport program by reading the Claim Jumper, Montana Healthcare Program’s monthly online newsletter, and any Passport provider notices issued.

Providers should also visit the Provider Information website for Passport and Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus information.

See the Key Contacts and Websites chapter in this manual and the Contact Us link on the Provider Information website for a list of contacts and their addresses and telephone numbers.

End of Program Overview Chapter

Role of the Passport Provider

Becoming a Passport Provider

A PCP can be a physician or a mid-level practitioner who provides PCCM services
by agreement with the Department. The Department allows any provider who has
primary care within his/her professional scope of practice to be a PCP. However,
the Department does recognize that certain specialties are more likely to practice
primary care, and actively recruits these providers.

Passport Provider Enrollment

To enroll in Passport, Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus providers must meet the following requirements. (ARM 37.86.5111)

Enroll or be enrolled as a Montana Healthcare Programs provider.
Provide primary care services.
Sign a Passport provider agreement.
Keep a paper or electronic log, spreadsheet, or other record of all Passport referrals given and received.

The Passport provider agreement and this manual are available on the Passport page of the Provider Information website. Providers may also call the Conduent Passport Provider Lead for information on becoming a Passport provider and to get the Passport provider agreement.

Solo Passport Provider
A solo Passport provider is enrolled in the program as an individual provider with one Passport number. The solo provider is listed as the member’s Passport provider. The solo provider is responsible for managing his or her individual Passport caseload. For details on referral documentation, see the Passport Referral chapter in this manual. Case management fees are paid to the individual provider under the solo provider’s Passport number in addition to the fee-for-service reimbursement.

Group Passport Provider
A group Passport provider is enrolled in the program as having one or more Montana Healthcare Programs providers practicing with one Passport number. The group name will be listed as the member’s Passport provider and could be a private group clinic, rural health clinic, federally qualified health center, or Indian Health Service (IHS) clinic. All participating providers sign the Passport agreement group signature page and are responsible for managing the caseload. With a group provider, members may visit any provider within the group practice without a Passport referral. Case management fees are paid to a group under the group Passport number in addition to the fee-for-service reimbursement.

Suitable Coverage

Passport providers must provide or arrange for suitable coverage for needed services, consultation, and approval or denial of referrals during posted normal business hours. If another provider is covering, the covering provider need not be enrolled as a Passport provider, but must be a Montana Healthcare Programs provider. Coverage can be provided by a physician, mid-level practitioner, or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. The covering provider must have the authority to give the Passport provider's number for claims.

Posted Normal Office Hours Coverage
May consist of a receptionist or equivalent, telephone system that will get the member to medical staff, or any appropriate method that provides the member access to the PCP or someone who can make medical decisions.

24-Hour Coverage
Passport providers must provide direction to members in need of emergency care 24/7/365. Acceptable direction includes an answering service, call forwarding, provider on-call coverage, or answering machine message. When a message is used, it should state at a minimum: If this is a medical emergency, hang up and either call 911 or go to the emergency department. Passport providers are required to provide education to their members regarding the appropriate use of the emergency department.

Vacation, Illness, and Other Absences
During periods of absence, providers must arrange for coverage for posted normal office hours as specified above. Passport members must have access to services or referrals from the covering provider(s).

Inability to Perform Services
The Department requires verification in the event that a solo Passport provider is unable to make medical decisions or arrange for coverage of their members. Upon verification, the provider’s members are disenrolled retroactive to the beginning of the month in which the provider was unable to make appropriate arrangements.

If the provider’s office provides documentation that coverage arrangements were made in advance, his or her members will not be disenrolled for a reasonable time. In such instances, the Department will work closely with the provider's office to determine if the condition will be long term and will require disenrollment.

Members will not be disenrolled from a group Passport provider if one provider becomes unable to provide or refer members for services.

Passport Marketing Materials

Passport providers may not distribute any marketing materials without first obtaining approval from the Department. Any marketing plans must also be submitted to the Department for prior written approval. Providers may not conduct direct or indirect marketing activities that are intended to influence members to enroll with the PCP or disenroll from another PCP.

Requirements of the Passport Provider

Caseload Limits

Passport providers may serve as many as 1,000 members per full-time physician or mid-level practitioner. Passport providers may encourage members to enroll with them under the Passport program. Passport providers who reach their caseload capacity have the opportunity to increase capacity by a minimum of 10% or more in order to have more Passport members choose or be assigned to them.

Reporting Changes

Providers must notify Provider Relations in writing within 30 days of changes that include, but are not limited to, the following:

Address
Phone/fax number
Ownership
Business hours
Change of providers who are participating under a group Passport agreement
Provider enrollment restrictions

Passport Provider Termination

When a provider wishes to terminate his/her Passport to Health enrollment, the Department requires a written notification at least 30 days in advance of the desired termination or removal date. Written notification is sent to Provider Relations. It is important to also give members at least 30 days’ notice before termination to allow them enough time to choose another Passport provider. To ensure continuity of care during these 30 days, the provider must continue to treat the members or refer them to another provider.

Utilization Review

Passport providers are subject to utilization review to verify the care and services provided through the program are fulfilling the requirements of the Passport provider agreement. (ARM 37.86.5111)

End of Role of the Passport Provider Chapter

Other Passport Programs

Team Care

Team Care is a companion program of Passport to Health designed to educate members how to appropriately and effectively access medical care. Members enrolled in Team Care are also enrolled in Passport. Enrollment in Team Care is based on utilization that is found to be excessive, inappropriate, or fraudulent with respect to need. Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus members can be referred to Team Care by Drug Utilization Review Clinical Case Managers, PCPs, pharmacists, hospitals or from claims data mining.

Team Care follows the same Passport rules and guidelines for referrals, enrollment/ disenrollment, prior authorization, and billing processes. However, members enrolled in Team Care are restricted from changing their PCP without good cause and are restricted to one pharmacy.

Providers are encouraged to make a referral to the Team Care program officer if they feel one of their members is appropriate for the program. A Passport provider receives an enhanced case management fee of $6 per member per month for Team Care members.

When checking Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus eligibility on the web portal, a Team Care member’s provider and pharmacy will be listed. You must write all Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus prescriptions to the designated pharmacy. (ARM 37.86.5303)

Tribal Health Improvement Program

The Tribal Health Improvement Program (T-HIP) is a historic partnership between the Tribal, State and Federal governments to address factors that contribute to health disparities in the American Indian population eligible for Montana Healthcare Programs and residing on a reservation. This manual will give you an overview of the Tribal Health Improvement Program, goals of the program and a link to the forms necessary to complete the documentation required for program participation.

T-HIP services are designed to help members:

Maximize the benefits of their medical and other support systems;
Improve knowledge of their disease and self-management skills; and
Remove barriers to achieving better health and a better life.

End of Other Passport Programs Chapter

Additional Passport Information

Prior Authorization

Passport referral and prior authorization are different. Passport referral is a referral to visit another provider; prior authorization refers to a list of services that require Department authorization before they are performed. Some services may require a Passport referral and/or prior authorization. Prior authorization is obtained through a Department contractor, Mountain-Pacific Quality Health (MPQH).

Different numbers are issued for Passport referral and prior authorization, and if required, both numbers must be listed on the requesting provider's claim. For more information on prior authorization, see the Prior Authorization chapter in the General Information for Providers Manual, your provider type manual, and the Prior Authorization page on the Provider Information website.

Member Co-Payment

Copayments are not assessed for Medicaid or Healthy Montana Kids Plus members.

Service Limits

Service limits are the same for Passport members and non-Passport members. For more information on service limits, see the Montana Healthcare Programs billing manual for your provider type and the General Information for Providers Manual, both available on the Provider Information website.

End of Additional Passport Information Chapter

Managing Your Passport Caseload

Enrollment List

A monthly Passport enrollee list is sent to each Passport provider by the first day of each month to assist Passport providers in managing their Passport members. Below is a sample enrollee list.

Providers should contact new members to set up an appointment to establish care and introduce new members to their practice, office policies, and staff. If a member has been on a provider’s list before but is shown as a new member, he/she may have lost Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus eligibility for a period of time.

Team Care

A monthly Team Care enrollee list, which includes the member’s lock-in pharmacy, accompanies the provider’s Passport enrollee list, as applicable.

End of Managing Your Passport Caseload Chapter

Member Enrollment and Education

Member Enrollment

Most Montana Medicaid/HMK Plus members are required to enroll in Passport to Health. Members who are not required to enroll in Passport are considered either exempt or ineligible. If participation in Passport causes a medical hardship, members may petition the state for an exempt status.

The Office of Public Assistance determines Montana Healthcare Programs eligibility. If the member’s eligibility requires him/her to participate in Passport, the information is sent to the Passport to Health enrollment broker, who begins member enrollment and education.

New members receive an enrollment packet containing the following information:

A letter instructing the member to select a Passport provider by telephone, the web portal, or by mail.
A Passport enrollment form.
How to access or obtain the Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus handbook, which includes Passport information.
A transportation services brochure.
A billing rights notice.
Information for members who are pregnant.

Selecting a Passport Provider

Members of a family may have the same Passport provider or everyone can have a different Passport provider based on individual needs. Members are not auto-assigned to a Passport provider unless they have not chosen a provider themselves. Members receive a reminder letter, an outreach call, and are given 45 days to select a provider. After 45 days, Passport to Health automatically assign members to a provider appropriate to the member's age, sex, and location based on the following criteria (in order):

Previous Passport enrollment.
Claims information.
Family Passport enrollment.
Native American members who have declared a tribal enrollment, and who live in a county where there is an Indian Health Service Passport provider.
Randomly, to a provider in the member’s geographic area who is accepting new members.

Members who are assigned to a Passport provider are notified at least 10 days in advance of the effective assignment date to allow members to notify Passport to Health if they would like to select a different provider.

Members may change their Passport provider up to once per month but the change will not be effective until the following month at the earliest, depending on the date the choice is made. (ARM 37.86.5103-5104)

Member Outreach and Education

In addition to the enrollment packet, all families with an active telephone number receive up to 3 telephone attempts to verbally explain Montana Healthcare Programs benefits and the Passport program, answer questions, and take enrollment information over the telephone.

An education script is followed during these outreach calls to ensure that all members receive the same information about Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus and Passport. Members have additional resources to help them use their Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus services and understand the Passport to Health program.

Member Education Resources

Resource: Member Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Handbook

Description: All eligible Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus members are sent a postcard informing them how to find the member handbook online or how to request a paper copy. This handbook, which includes a section on the Passport program, is an excellent resource for members enrolled in Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus.

Where to Find:

Call the Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Help Line 1 (800) 362-8312

DPHHS Member Services Website: https://dphhs.mt.gov/montanahealthcareprograms/memberservices

Resource: Montana Healthcare Programs Member Services Help Line 1 (800) 362-8312

Description: The toll-free Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Help Line is available to answer members’ questions and enroll them with a PCP. The Help Line may direct members to other Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus resources or entities.

Where to Find:

Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Help Line, 1 (800) 362-8312

Resource: Preventive Materials

Description: Preventive healthcare letters are mailed yearly to youth with HMK Plus, just before their birthday. The mailing includes an immunization and well-child exam schedule. The schedule is available on our website.

Where to Find:

Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Help Line, 1 (800) 362-8312

DPHHS Well Child Website https://dphhs.mt.gov/MontanaHealthcarePrograms/WellChild

Passport Member Eligibility

The Department requires Montana Healthcare Programs members to enroll and participate in the Passport program, unless exempt from or ineligible for participation.

Members Ineligible for Passport
The Department has determined the following categories of members are not eligible to participate in the Passport program:

Living in a nursing home or other institutional setting.
Eligible for Medicare.
Eligible for Montana Healthcare Programs with a spend-down (medically needy).
Receiving Montana Healthcare Programs for less than three months.
Eligible for Montana Healthcare Programs foster care.
Eligible for Montana Healthcare Programs adoption assistance or guardianship.
Retroactive Montana Healthcare Programs eligibility.
Receiving Montana Healthcare Programs home and community-based services for persons who are aged or disabled.
Residing out of state.
Eligible for a non-Montana Healthcare Programs plan.
Receiving Montana Healthcare Programs under a presumptive eligibility program.

Members Exempt from Passport

The Department has determined members who are eligible to participate in the Passport program may request an exempt status for the following reasons:

Members who are able to establish that participating in the program would be a hardship.
Members who have third party coverage that provides case management services.
Members unable to find a PCP willing to provide case management.
Members residing in a county where there are not enough PCPs to serve the population.

The Department has the discretion to determine hardship and to place time limits on all exemptions on a case-by-case basis. Members who are exempt from participation may elect to re-enroll in the Passport to Health program at a later time.

End of Member Enrollment and Education Chapter

Passport Referrals

Passport referral is needed for most medically necessary services that the member’s Passport provider does not provide. Referrals can be made to any other provider who accepts Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus. Referrals can be verbal or in writing, and must be accompanied by the provider’s Passport referral number. Providers are required to keep a paper or electronic log of all Passport referrals given or received in the member’s records, a spreadsheet, or other record. The Passport provider establishes the parameters of referrals, which may be for a one-time visit, a time specific period, or the duration of a condition. An optional referral form is available on the Provider Information website.

Guidance for Appropriate Care

If a provider sees a member for a routine visit or sees the member frequently and is not that member’s Passport provider, the provider should talk to the member about the importance of having a medical home.

It is acceptable to deny service if the member is able to see his/her Passport provider. Conversely, the Passport provider is under no obligation to provide a referral if the member is able to see them. Suggest to the member that he/she see their Passport provider every time they are sick or hurt; it is also acceptable to suggest that the member changes to your clinic as their Passport provider. To change their provider, the member can call the Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Member Help Line from your office or have the provider fax a Provider Change Form (available on the website) signed by the member.

Providers should obtain a Passport referral in advance, in writing, and specific to services and dates. If a provider accepts a member as a Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus member and provides a service requiring a Passport referral without the member’s Passport provider’s referral, Montana Healthcare Programs will deny the claim. When a provider bills Montana Healthcare Programs for services rendered to a member, the provider has accepted the member as Montana Healthcare Programs and cannot bill the member for services. If a provider tried unsuccessfully to get approval from the PCP, the provider cannot bill the member unless the member agreed to pay privately before services were rendered. (ARM 37.85.406)

For details on when providers can bill Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus members, see the Billing Procedures chapter in your provider type manual or the General Information for Providers Manual; both are available on the website.

Passport referrals and prior authorization are different. For more information, see the Additional Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Requirements for Passport Members chapter in this manual and Prior Authorization chapters in your provider type manual and the General Information for Providers Manual.

Establishing Care and Referrals

Establishing care with a provider helps ensure Montana Healthcare Programs/Healthy Montana Kids Plus members receive effective, quality medical care. The Passport program recommends that in most cases, Passport referrals should not be given to specialists or other PCPs if the member has not established care with their PCP. In most cases, care should start with and be coordinated by the Passport PCP. Encourage the member to establish a relationship with their PCP for services.

If a provider consistently receives requests for referrals for a member that the provider has never seen, it is acceptable for the provider to disenroll the member from his/her Passport caseload. It is also acceptable to disenroll established members who are consistently seeking primary care elsewhere or specialty care that requires provider referral. See the Disenrolling Passport or Team Care Members chapter in this manual for more details.

Referral without Established Care

There are some instances where the Passport program requests that the Passport PCP provide a referral, even when care has not been established. The member’s access to care, whether or not the member has established care, is a responsibility of the member’s PCP.

A referral determination should be based on whether it is reasonable for the PCP to provide, and the member to access, that care in a specific situation. Some examples in which referrals are needed in order to ensure access to needed care are:

Member has moved away and chose a new provider.
Member is sick or injured and far from home.
Member is sick or injured and PCP is unable to see promptly.
Follow-up care with doctor seen initially through an ED admittance and surgery.
Inpatient psychiatric medical care.

Passport Referral Number

The Passport referral number is the number the PCP gives to providers when approving services. This is a number issued to the Passport provider and must be on the requesting provider’s claim or Montana Healthcare Programs will deny the service if it requires a Passport referral.

The Passport referral number is recorded in Box 17a on a CMS-1500 claim and Box 7 on a UB-04 claim. The referring provider’s NPI is not required.

Services Exempt from Passport Approval

Members must obtain services directly from or through a Passport referral, except for:

Ambulance
Anesthesiology
Audiology
Blood lead testing
Case management
Dental
Dialysis
Durable medical equipment
Emergency
EPSDT screenings
Eye exams and eyeglasses
Family planning
Hearing exams and aids
Home and community-based
Home infusion therapy
Home support services and therapeutic foster care
Hospice
Hospital swing bed
Immunizations
Inpatient lab and x-ray
Inpatient professional services
Intermediate care facility
Institution for mental disease
Laboratory/Pathology tests
Licensed social workers
Licensed professional counselors
Mental health centers
Nursing facilities
Obstetrical (inpatient and outpatient)
Optometrist or ophthalmologist
Personal assistance
Pharmacy
Prosthesis
Psychiatric residential treatment facility
Psychologists
Radiology (Some services may require Passport approval; see appropriate fee schedule.)
School-based
STD testing and treatment
Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment
Transportation (commercial and specialized non-emergency)

Indian Health Service (IHS)

All Native Americans are entitled to health services through Indian Health Service (IHS). When Native Americans are eligible for Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus, Montana Healthcare Programs will pay for services provided through an IHS as well as other Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus providers. A Native American Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus member who is enrolled in Passport to Health may choose an IHS to be the primary care provider if the IHS is a Passport provider. The member may alternatively choose a Passport provider other than an IHS. If the member chooses a Passport provider other than an IHS, he/she may go to an IHS as well without a referral from the Passport provider.

Passport and Team Care referrals for a Medicaid member designated American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) in the Medicaid system are not required when the member is visiting an Indian Health Service Unit, Tribal 638 Facility, or Urban Indian Health Center (I/T/U).

Passport and Team Care referral is not required when an I/T/U refers an AI/AN member to a provider who is not their designated Passport provider or Team Care provider. The non-I/T/U provider will be required to have the I/T/U’s NPI present in field 17a on a CMS-1500 or field 7 on a UB-04 or claims will be denied.

Passport Referral Tips

End of Passport Referrals Chapter

EPSDT Services

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) Services Program

EPSDT is a benefit package for all HMK Plus members designed to ensure that children receive comprehensive healthcare. The provider is encouraged to actively screen for specific pediatric problems, order diagnostic tests as indicated, and treat problems found, or if necessary, refer members to other providers for treatment.

The Well-Child Checkup

All children should have regular well-child checkups beginning at birth and through age 20. The Passport program sends reminders to Passport members advising them that they are due for a well-child checkup.

The Passport program encourages providers to conduct well-child checkups according to a specific schedule.

Montana Healthcare Programs has adopted the Bright Futures/American Academy of Pediatrics periodicity schedule. The national schedule can be found at brightfutures.aap.org. In addition to these scheduled visits, well-child screenings should be incorporated into every visit if possible.

Well-child checkups include the following:

Comprehensive health and developmental history
Unclothed physical examination
Vision screening
Hearing screening
Oral health screening
Developmental/behavioral
Anticipatory guidance
Immunization
Laboratory tests, including testing for children ages 12 and 24 months.

Diagnostic Testing and Referrals

If a screening indicates the need for further diagnostic testing or treatment, those services should be provided without delay. If the service cannot be provided by the Passport provider, a referral must be made.

Montana Medicaid/HMK Plus covers all services that are determined to be medically necessary to members under age 21, even if those services are not covered for adults. Examples of additional services for pediatric members include chiropractic treatment, nutrition, private duty nursing, residential treatment, respiratory therapy, school-based services, and substance use disorder inpatient and day treatment.

End of EPSDT Services Chapter

Billing and Reimbursement

Member Service Reimbursement

Reimbursement for Passport member services are the same as Montana Healthcare Programs fee-for-service reimbursement. This allows providers the opportunity to become actively involved in cost containment and quality of care without financial risk. For more information on reimbursement, see the Department’s fee schedule available on the Provider Information website.

Member Case Management Fee

In addition to fee-for-service reimbursement, Passport providers receive a case management fee, or an enhanced fee totaling $1 for regular Passport members, $3 for aged, blind and disabled members, and $6 per member per month for each enrolled Team Care member.

This fee is in a separate payment from the fee-for-service reimbursement and is paid regardless of whether the member is seen during the month. The monthly case management fee is paid with the expectation that the items listed in the provider requirements of this manual are completed as needed for member’s coordination of care. The monthly case management fee is paid to providers by their Passport number. The fees are listed with procedure code (G9008) for each Passport enrollee on the provider’s remittance advice. The date of service for the code is shown as the first of the month for which the fee is being paid.

Passport Billing Tips

Verify member's eligibility and Passport provider at each visit before treating the member. Contact Provider Relations for information on Montana Healthcare Programs claims.

Do not bill for case management fees; they are paid automatically to the provider each month. Team Care is a component of the Passport program; therefore, Team Care billing procedures are the same as Passport.

For additional instructions on billing Montana Healthcare Programs, refer to your provider type manual.

Billing Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Members

To bill a Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus member, an agreement must be signed by the member in advance of services. There are two types of member agreements:

Private-pay agreements. State the member is not being accepted as a Montana Healthcare Programs member and will be responsible to pay for the services received.
Custom agreements. Include specific dates of services, actual services or procedures, and the cost to the member, and states the services will not be covered by Montana Healthcare Programs and the member will be responsible to pay for the services received.

Providers may not bill a member when the provider has informed the member that Montana Healthcare Programs may not pay or when the agreement is contained in a form that provider routinely requires members to sign. Members may be billed for:

Non-covered services.
Covered but medically unnecessary services, including services that Montana Healthcare Programs has denied payment for lack of medical necessity.
When provider is unable to get the Passport referral from the Passport PCP.
Services received when the provider does not accept the member as a Montana Healthcare Programs member.
Copayments.

Providers are required to accept the amount paid by Montana Healthcare Programs as payment in full. Unless an agreement is signed, members may not be billed for:

Any payment in addition to or in lieu of the amount paid by Montana Healthcare Programs.
Covered services denied by Montana Healthcare Programs.
Services Montana Healthcare Programs does not pay as a result of the provider’s failure to comply with enrollment, prior authorization, billing, or other requirement necessary to receive payment.

When a member is accepted as a Montana Healthcare Programs member in a service setting (e.g., facility, institution), all other providers performing services for the member will be deemed to have accepted the member as Montana Healthcare Programs.

Acceptance of a member as Montana Healthcare Programs applies to all services provided by the provider. A provider may not accept Montana Healthcare Programs for some covered services but refuse Montana Healthcare Programs for other covered services.

If a member has agreed prior to services that payment will be made from a source other than Montana Healthcare Programs but is later determined retroactively eligible for Montana Healthcare Programs, the provider may choose to accept the individual as Montana Healthcare Programs or seek payment in accordance with the original payment agreement.

A provider who bills Montana Healthcare Programs for services will be deemed to have accepted the member as Montana Healthcare Programs.

Bills owed to a provider do not affect the Passport relationship. A member may not be denied services or be disenrolled by the Passport provider due to unpaid bills. (ARM 37.86.402)

End of Billing and Reimbursement Chapter

Disenrolling Passport or Team Care Members

Disenrollment

A provider may disenroll a Passport or Team Care member for the following reasons:

Provider–member(patient) relationship is mutually unacceptable.
Member has not established care.
Member is seeking primary care elsewhere.
Member fails to follow prescribed treatment.
Member is physically or verbally abusive and poses a threat to providers or other members.
Member could be better treated by a different type of provider, and a referral process is not feasible.
Member consistently fails to show up for appointments.

A provider cannot disenroll a Passport or Team Care member for the following reasons:

An adverse change in the enrollee’s health status.
Member’s utilization of medical services.
Member’s diminished mental capacity.
Uncooperative or disruptive behavior as a result of the member’s special needs. The exception is if enrollment seriously impairs the PCP’s ability to furnish care to the member or other members. If this is the case, disenrollment must be approved by the Passport program officer.
Any reason that may be considered discrimination. (See the Complaints, Administrative Reviews, and Fair Hearings chapter in this manual.)
Failure of Members to pay co-payments owed prior to January 1, 2020 or other bills. Effective for all claims paid on or after January 1, 2020, copayment will not be assessed.

Member Notification

A written disenrollment notification must be sent to the member and Conduent by providing 30 days’ notice.

Verbal notification to the member does not constitute disenrollment; the provider remains responsible for the care of the member until the disenrollment process is complete.

Reasons for disenrollment must be explained in writing, must be non-discriminatory, must be generally applied to the provider’s entire patient base, and must be approved by Conduent.

At a minimum, the letter must:

Identify the member as your Passport patient.
Specify the reason for disenrollment.
Indicate notification of continuing care for 30 days.

A copy of the member’s disenrollment notification must be mailed or faxed to the Conduent Passport to Health Analyst. During these 30 days, the provider must continue to treat the member or refer the member to another provider. The provider’s 30-day care obligation does not start until a copy is received by Conduent Passport to Health. The Department makes exceptions to this rule only under extreme circumstances.

Providers may call the Conduent Passport Provider Analyst with questions about the disenrollment process. The Passport program will not disenroll members from a PCP without written notification from the provider. Passport will assist the member in selecting a new PCP.

A sample disenrollment letter is below.

Sample Disenrollment Letter

Dear Medicaid member,

This letter is to notify you that we are disenrolling you as our Passport patient due to consistently seeking primary care elsewhere. We will continue to provide you care or referrals to care for the next 30 days as you transition to a new provider.

Sincerely,

Care Clinic

End of Disenrolling Passport or Team Care Members Chapter

Complaints, Administrative Reviews, and Fair Hearings

Member Complaints

Formal complaints filed against a provider or healthcare facility for improper care or unsafe conditions will be forwarded to the proper state licensing agency. Informal member complaints or grievances about healthcare services rendered by a provider or professional will be forwarded to the program officer with knowledge of the program. Informal member complaints will be addressed by the program officer within 7 business days.

Administrative Reviews and Fair Hearings (ARM 37.5.310 and ARM 37.86.5120)

If a provider believes the Department has made a decision that fails to comply with applicable laws, regulations, rules, or policies, the provider may request an administrative review or fair hearing. Requests must be addressed to the Office of Fair Hearings. A copy must also be delivered or mailed to the division that issued the contested determination.

To request an administrative review, state in writing the objections to the Department's decision and include substantiating documentation for consideration in the review.

The Department must receive the request within 30 days from the date the Department’s initial determination was mailed. Providers may request extensions in writing within these 30 days. If the provider is not satisfied with the Department’s administrative review results, a fair hearing may be requested. Fair hearing requests must contain concise reasons the provider believes the Department’s administrative review determination fails to comply with applicable laws, regulations, rules, or policies. This document must be signed and received by the Office of Fair Hearings within 30 days from the date the Department mailed the administrative review determination.

Non-Discrimination (ARM 37.85.402)

The Department does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, creed, disability, marital status, or political beliefs.

Discrimination may not occur regarding admission to, participation in, or receipt of services or benefits of any of its programs, activities, or employment, whether carried out by the Department or through a contractor or other entity. In case of questions or in the event that you wish to file a complaint alleging violations please contact DPHHS, Office of Human Resources.

If you wish to file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights, contact them at the address or telephone number on the Contact Us page of the Provider Information website. A person does not have to go through the administrative review or fair hearing process to file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights.

End of Complaints, Administrative Reviews, and Fair Hearings Chapter

Appendix A: Forms

The forms listed below and others are available on both the Forms page of the Montana Healthcare Programs Provider Information website.

Passport to Health Referral Form
Tribal Health Improvement Program (T-HIP)
Member’s Provider Change/Enrollment Form

End of Appendix A: Forms Chapter

Definitions and Acronyms

This section contains definitions and acronyms specific to Passport provider. Additional definitions and acronyms are found on the Definitions and Acronyms page of the Provider Information website.

Group Passport to Health Provider

A group Passport provider is enrolled in the program as having one or more Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus providers practicing under one Passport number.

Solo Passport to Health Provider

A solo Passport provider is enrolled in the program as an individual provider with one Passport number.

Well-Child Checkup

A well-child checkup is an important way to monitor growth and development of young members. Regular checkups provide an opportunity for providers to develop a strong relationship with their members.

End of Definitions and Acronyms Chapter

Search Options

This edition has three search options.

1.Search the whole manual. Open the Complete Manual pane. From your keyboard press the Ctrl and F keys at the same time. A search box will appear. Type in a descriptive or key word (for example "Denials". The search box will show all locations where denials discussed in the manual.

2.Search by Chapter. Open any Chapter tab (for example the "Billing Procedures" tab). From your keyboard press the Ctrl and F keys at the same time. A search box will appear. Type in a descriptive or key word (for example "Denials". The search box will show where denials discussed in just that chapter.

3.Site Search. Search the manual as well as other documents related to a particular search term on the Montana Healthcare Programs Site Specific Search page.

End of Search Options Chapter

End of Passport to Health Manual

Update Log

Publication History

This publication supersedes all previous Passport to Health guides and manuals. First published by the Department of Public Health and Human Services, December 2003.

Updated September 2004, September 2005, March 2008, May 2009, September 2013, August 2015, November 2015, September 2017, January 2019, January 2020, and March 2022.

Update Log

04/01/2022

Removed Nurse Advice Line references.
Updated IHS referral information.

01/01/2020

Updated Co-Payment language and requirements to current rule.
Removed references to "patient" and "client" and replaced with "member".
Changed "Passport Lead" to "Passport Analyst".
Changed the term "Medicaid" to "Montana Healthcare Programs"
Removed HIP references. (Note: THIP is still included in this manual).

01/18/2019

Updated whole manual with current terms, programs, policies, and links.

09/29/2017
Passport to Health Manual converted to an HTML format and adapted to 508 Accessibility Standards.

11/09/2015
Passport to Health, November 2015: Passport Referrals

End of Update Log Chapter

Table of Contents

Key Contacts and Websites

See the Contact Us link on the Montana Healthcare Programs Provider Information website for additional contact and website information.

Contact hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday, Mountain Standard Time, unless otherwise stated. The phone numbers designated instate will not work outside Montana. The numbers designated TDD and TYY have a telecommunication device for people who need assistance hearing. Persons with disabilities who need an alternative accessible format of this information, or who require some other reasonable accommodation to participate in Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus, should contact DPHHS through the Passport to Health program.

Fair Hearing or Administrative Review Request

To request a fair hearing or administrative review, email hhsofh@mt.gov

or deliver or mail the request to the address below:

Office of Fair Hearings
DPHHS
P.O. Box 202953
Helena MT 59620-2953

Telephone (406) 444-2470

DPHHS IHS/Tribal 638 Program

(406) 444-4540
(406) 444-1861 Fax
IHS/Tribal Program Officer
Hospital and Physician Services Bureau
DPHHS
P.O. Box 202951
Helena, MT 59620-2951

Interpreter Services

For forms and information on providing interpretive services to members, call the Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus at (406) 444-4540

Montana Relay Services

Telecommunications assistance for the hearing impaired.
Montana Relay Services email: relay@mt.gov

(800) 833-8503 Voice, TTY
(406) 444-1335 Voice, TTY

relay@mt.gov

Office of Human Resources and Office for Civil Rights

For complaints about alleged discrimination because of race, color, national origin, age or disability, or other protected classes hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

(406) 444-0262

Member Complaint Coordinator
Office of Human Resources
DPHHS
P.O. Box 4210
Helena, MT 59620-4210

(800) 368-1019
(800) 537-7697 TDD

Passport to Health

Members who have standard Medicaid/HMK Plus questions, are looking for a provider, or want to choose a Passport provider may call the Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Help Line:

(800) 362-8312 (in/out of state).

Providers with questions regarding Passport may contact the Conduent Passport Provider Analyst or the Passport program officer.

Conduent Passport Provider Analyst

(406) 457-9542
(406) 442-2328 Fax

Passport to Health Program
P.O. Box 254
Helena MT 59624-0254

Passport Program Officer

(406) 444-4540
(406) 444-1861 Fax

Passport to Health Program Officer

Providers who have policy or program questions and concerns or need to report errors, omission, or discrepancies in member utilization and cost reports may contact the Passport to Health program officer.

(406) 444-4540
(406) 444-1861 Fax

Passport to Health Program Officer
DPHHS
P.O. Box 202951
Helena MT 59620-2951

Team Care Program

For questions regarding the Team Care Program:

(406) 444-4540
(406) 444-1861 Fax

Team Care Program Officer
Member Health Management Bureau
P.O. Box 202951
Helena MT 59620-2951

End of Key Contacts and Websites Chapter

Program Overview

Passport to Health Program

Passport to Health is the primary care case management (PCCM) program for the following Montana Healthcare Programs: Standard Montana Healthcare Programs, Healthy Montana Kids Plus, and the HELP Program. The Passport to Health program provides case management related services that include locating, coordinating, and monitoring primary healthcare services. To achieve this, the Passport program works with the state’s other care coordination programs:

Team Care
Tribal Health Improvement Program (T-HIP)

Montana Medicaid and HMK Plus members who are eligible for Passport must enroll in the program. See the Member Enrollment and Eligibility Chapter of this manual for a list of members who are ineligible for Passport. Each member has a designated Passport provider such as a physician, mid-level practitioner, or primary care clinic.

The Passport provider delivers PCCM services to their members. This means they provide or coordinate the member’s care and make referrals to other Montana Healthcare Programs providers when necessary. With some exceptions, all services to Passport members must be provided or approved by the member’s Passport provider Montana Healthcare Programs will not reimburse for those services. The member’s Passport provider is also referred to as the primary care provider (PCP).

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) defines care coordination as “deliberately organizing member care activities and sharing information among all of the participants concerned with a member's care to achieve safer and more effective care. This means that the member’s needs and preferences are known ahead of time and communicated at the right time to the right people, and that this information is used to provide safe, appropriate, and effective care to the member.”

The PCCM model facilitates a strong member–provider relationship by providing primary, preventive, and routine services; managing and coordinating the member’s services; and acting as the front door to Montana Healthcare Programs services. To be an effective PCP, a provider’s office or facility must be:

Accessible. How long does it take for a member to get an appointment to see you? Can they e-mail you? Call you?
Continuous. Do you watch your members grow?
Comprehensive. Do you offer as many services as possible to your members in-house?
Coordinated. For example, do you have an effective method for determining when a diabetic member is due for a foot exam or when a child needs immunizations?
In the Context of Family and Community. How do you encourage family health and support? Are you aware of specialists and services available to your members in your area?

Program Goals

Ensure access to primary care.
Establish a partnership with the Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus member.
Provide continuous and coordinated care to maximize health outcomes.
Improve the continuity of care.
Encourage preventive healthcare.
Promote Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) services.
Reduce inappropriate use of medical services and medications.
Decrease non-emergent care in the emergency department (ED).
Reduce and control healthcare costs.

Rule References

Providers must be familiar with all current rules and regulations governing the Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus program. Provider manuals assist providers in billing Montana Healthcare Programs; they do not contain all Montana Healthcare Programs rules and regulations. Rule citations in the text are a reference tool; they are not a summary of the entire rule. Links to rules are available on the Provider Information website.

Paper copies of rules are available through the Secretary of State’s office. In addition to the general Montana Healthcare Programs rules outlined in the General Information for Providers Manual and the rules outlined in each program manual, the following rules and regulations are also applicable to the Passport to Health program:

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
- 42 CFR 438 Managed Care
Montana Code Annotated (MCA)
- MCA 53-6-116 – 53-6-117 Montana Healthcare Programs Managed Care – Capitated Health Care, Participation Requirements
- MCA 53-6-701 – 53-6-706 Montana Healthcare Programs Managed Care
Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM)
- ARM 37.86.5101 – 37.86.5120 Passport to Health Program

Getting Questions Answered

The Member Health Management Bureau, a part of the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), administers the Passport to Health program and determines services and policy. Manuals and other information are available on the Provider Information website.

The Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Member Help Line assists members with Passport to Health enrollment, helps them locate or change providers, and answers their Montana Healthcare Programs/ HMK Plus and Passport questions.

Provider Relations answers provider questions about Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus services, claims, and eligibility, and addresses provider concerns.

Providers may also call the Conduent Passport Provider Analyst to discuss problems or questions regarding Passport members or to enroll in Passport. See the Key Contacts and Websites chapter.

Providers should keep up with changes and updates to the Passport program by reading the Claim Jumper, Montana Healthcare Program’s monthly online newsletter, and any Passport provider notices issued.

Providers should also visit the Provider Information website for Passport and Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus information.

See the Key Contacts and Websites chapter in this manual and the Contact Us link on the Provider Information website for a list of contacts and their addresses and telephone numbers.

End of Program Overview Chapter

Role of the Passport Provider

Becoming a Passport Provider

A PCP can be a physician or a mid-level practitioner who provides PCCM services
by agreement with the Department. The Department allows any provider who has
primary care within his/her professional scope of practice to be a PCP. However,
the Department does recognize that certain specialties are more likely to practice
primary care, and actively recruits these providers.

Passport Provider Enrollment

To enroll in Passport, Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus providers must meet the following requirements. (ARM 37.86.5111)

Enroll or be enrolled as a Montana Healthcare Programs provider.
Provide primary care services.
Sign a Passport provider agreement.
Keep a paper or electronic log, spreadsheet, or other record of all Passport referrals given and received.

The Passport provider agreement and this manual are available on the Passport page of the Provider Information website. Providers may also call the Conduent Passport Provider Lead for information on becoming a Passport provider and to get the Passport provider agreement.

Solo Passport Provider
A solo Passport provider is enrolled in the program as an individual provider with one Passport number. The solo provider is listed as the member’s Passport provider. The solo provider is responsible for managing his or her individual Passport caseload. For details on referral documentation, see the Passport Referral chapter in this manual. Case management fees are paid to the individual provider under the solo provider’s Passport number in addition to the fee-for-service reimbursement.

Group Passport Provider
A group Passport provider is enrolled in the program as having one or more Montana Healthcare Programs providers practicing with one Passport number. The group name will be listed as the member’s Passport provider and could be a private group clinic, rural health clinic, federally qualified health center, or Indian Health Service (IHS) clinic. All participating providers sign the Passport agreement group signature page and are responsible for managing the caseload. With a group provider, members may visit any provider within the group practice without a Passport referral. Case management fees are paid to a group under the group Passport number in addition to the fee-for-service reimbursement.

Suitable Coverage

Passport providers must provide or arrange for suitable coverage for needed services, consultation, and approval or denial of referrals during posted normal business hours. If another provider is covering, the covering provider need not be enrolled as a Passport provider, but must be a Montana Healthcare Programs provider. Coverage can be provided by a physician, mid-level practitioner, or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. The covering provider must have the authority to give the Passport provider's number for claims.

Posted Normal Office Hours Coverage
May consist of a receptionist or equivalent, telephone system that will get the member to medical staff, or any appropriate method that provides the member access to the PCP or someone who can make medical decisions.

24-Hour Coverage
Passport providers must provide direction to members in need of emergency care 24/7/365. Acceptable direction includes an answering service, call forwarding, provider on-call coverage, or answering machine message. When a message is used, it should state at a minimum: If this is a medical emergency, hang up and either call 911 or go to the emergency department. Passport providers are required to provide education to their members regarding the appropriate use of the emergency department.

Vacation, Illness, and Other Absences
During periods of absence, providers must arrange for coverage for posted normal office hours as specified above. Passport members must have access to services or referrals from the covering provider(s).

Inability to Perform Services
The Department requires verification in the event that a solo Passport provider is unable to make medical decisions or arrange for coverage of their members. Upon verification, the provider’s members are disenrolled retroactive to the beginning of the month in which the provider was unable to make appropriate arrangements.

If the provider’s office provides documentation that coverage arrangements were made in advance, his or her members will not be disenrolled for a reasonable time. In such instances, the Department will work closely with the provider's office to determine if the condition will be long term and will require disenrollment.

Members will not be disenrolled from a group Passport provider if one provider becomes unable to provide or refer members for services.

Passport Marketing Materials

Passport providers may not distribute any marketing materials without first obtaining approval from the Department. Any marketing plans must also be submitted to the Department for prior written approval. Providers may not conduct direct or indirect marketing activities that are intended to influence members to enroll with the PCP or disenroll from another PCP.

Requirements of the Passport Provider

Caseload Limits

Passport providers may serve as many as 1,000 members per full-time physician or mid-level practitioner. Passport providers may encourage members to enroll with them under the Passport program. Passport providers who reach their caseload capacity have the opportunity to increase capacity by a minimum of 10% or more in order to have more Passport members choose or be assigned to them.

Reporting Changes

Providers must notify Provider Relations in writing within 30 days of changes that include, but are not limited to, the following:

Address
Phone/fax number
Ownership
Business hours
Change of providers who are participating under a group Passport agreement
Provider enrollment restrictions

Passport Provider Termination

When a provider wishes to terminate his/her Passport to Health enrollment, the Department requires a written notification at least 30 days in advance of the desired termination or removal date. Written notification is sent to Provider Relations. It is important to also give members at least 30 days’ notice before termination to allow them enough time to choose another Passport provider. To ensure continuity of care during these 30 days, the provider must continue to treat the members or refer them to another provider.

Utilization Review

Passport providers are subject to utilization review to verify the care and services provided through the program are fulfilling the requirements of the Passport provider agreement. (ARM 37.86.5111)

End of Role of the Passport Provider Chapter

Other Passport Programs

Team Care

Team Care is a companion program of Passport to Health designed to educate members how to appropriately and effectively access medical care. Members enrolled in Team Care are also enrolled in Passport. Enrollment in Team Care is based on utilization that is found to be excessive, inappropriate, or fraudulent with respect to need. Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus members can be referred to Team Care by Drug Utilization Review Clinical Case Managers, PCPs, pharmacists, hospitals or from claims data mining.

Team Care follows the same Passport rules and guidelines for referrals, enrollment/ disenrollment, prior authorization, and billing processes. However, members enrolled in Team Care are restricted from changing their PCP without good cause and are restricted to one pharmacy.

Providers are encouraged to make a referral to the Team Care program officer if they feel one of their members is appropriate for the program. A Passport provider receives an enhanced case management fee of $6 per member per month for Team Care members.

When checking Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus eligibility on the web portal, a Team Care member’s provider and pharmacy will be listed. You must write all Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus prescriptions to the designated pharmacy. (ARM 37.86.5303)

Tribal Health Improvement Program

The Tribal Health Improvement Program (T-HIP) is a historic partnership between the Tribal, State and Federal governments to address factors that contribute to health disparities in the American Indian population eligible for Montana Healthcare Programs and residing on a reservation. This manual will give you an overview of the Tribal Health Improvement Program, goals of the program and a link to the forms necessary to complete the documentation required for program participation.

T-HIP services are designed to help members:

Maximize the benefits of their medical and other support systems;
Improve knowledge of their disease and self-management skills; and
Remove barriers to achieving better health and a better life.

End of Other Passport Programs Chapter

Additional Passport Information

Prior Authorization

Passport referral and prior authorization are different. Passport referral is a referral to visit another provider; prior authorization refers to a list of services that require Department authorization before they are performed. Some services may require a Passport referral and/or prior authorization. Prior authorization is obtained through a Department contractor, Mountain-Pacific Quality Health (MPQH).

Different numbers are issued for Passport referral and prior authorization, and if required, both numbers must be listed on the requesting provider's claim. For more information on prior authorization, see the Prior Authorization chapter in the General Information for Providers Manual, your provider type manual, and the Prior Authorization page on the Provider Information website.

Member Co-Payment

Copayments are not assessed for Medicaid or Healthy Montana Kids Plus members.

Service Limits

Service limits are the same for Passport members and non-Passport members. For more information on service limits, see the Montana Healthcare Programs billing manual for your provider type and the General Information for Providers Manual, both available on the Provider Information website.

End of Additional Passport Information Chapter

Managing Your Passport Caseload

Enrollment List

A monthly Passport enrollee list is sent to each Passport provider by the first day of each month to assist Passport providers in managing their Passport members. Below is a sample enrollee list.

Providers should contact new members to set up an appointment to establish care and introduce new members to their practice, office policies, and staff. If a member has been on a provider’s list before but is shown as a new member, he/she may have lost Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus eligibility for a period of time.

Team Care

A monthly Team Care enrollee list, which includes the member’s lock-in pharmacy, accompanies the provider’s Passport enrollee list, as applicable.

End of Managing Your Passport Caseload Chapter

Member Enrollment and Education

Member Enrollment

Most Montana Medicaid/HMK Plus members are required to enroll in Passport to Health. Members who are not required to enroll in Passport are considered either exempt or ineligible. If participation in Passport causes a medical hardship, members may petition the state for an exempt status.

The Office of Public Assistance determines Montana Healthcare Programs eligibility. If the member’s eligibility requires him/her to participate in Passport, the information is sent to the Passport to Health enrollment broker, who begins member enrollment and education.

New members receive an enrollment packet containing the following information:

A letter instructing the member to select a Passport provider by telephone, the web portal, or by mail.
A Passport enrollment form.
How to access or obtain the Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus handbook, which includes Passport information.
A transportation services brochure.
A billing rights notice.
Information for members who are pregnant.

Selecting a Passport Provider

Members of a family may have the same Passport provider or everyone can have a different Passport provider based on individual needs. Members are not auto-assigned to a Passport provider unless they have not chosen a provider themselves. Members receive a reminder letter, an outreach call, and are given 45 days to select a provider. After 45 days, Passport to Health automatically assign members to a provider appropriate to the member's age, sex, and location based on the following criteria (in order):

Previous Passport enrollment.
Claims information.
Family Passport enrollment.
Native American members who have declared a tribal enrollment, and who live in a county where there is an Indian Health Service Passport provider.
Randomly, to a provider in the member’s geographic area who is accepting new members.

Members who are assigned to a Passport provider are notified at least 10 days in advance of the effective assignment date to allow members to notify Passport to Health if they would like to select a different provider.

Members may change their Passport provider up to once per month but the change will not be effective until the following month at the earliest, depending on the date the choice is made. (ARM 37.86.5103-5104)

Member Outreach and Education

In addition to the enrollment packet, all families with an active telephone number receive up to 3 telephone attempts to verbally explain Montana Healthcare Programs benefits and the Passport program, answer questions, and take enrollment information over the telephone.

An education script is followed during these outreach calls to ensure that all members receive the same information about Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus and Passport. Members have additional resources to help them use their Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus services and understand the Passport to Health program.

Member Education Resources

Resource: Member Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Handbook

Description: All eligible Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus members are sent a postcard informing them how to find the member handbook online or how to request a paper copy. This handbook, which includes a section on the Passport program, is an excellent resource for members enrolled in Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus.

Where to Find:

Call the Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Help Line 1 (800) 362-8312

DPHHS Member Services Website: https://dphhs.mt.gov/montanahealthcareprograms/memberservices

Resource: Montana Healthcare Programs Member Services Help Line 1 (800) 362-8312

Description: The toll-free Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Help Line is available to answer members’ questions and enroll them with a PCP. The Help Line may direct members to other Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus resources or entities.

Where to Find:

Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Help Line, 1 (800) 362-8312

Resource: Preventive Materials

Description: Preventive healthcare letters are mailed yearly to youth with HMK Plus, just before their birthday. The mailing includes an immunization and well-child exam schedule. The schedule is available on our website.

Where to Find:

Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Help Line, 1 (800) 362-8312

DPHHS Well Child Website https://dphhs.mt.gov/MontanaHealthcarePrograms/WellChild

Passport Member Eligibility

The Department requires Montana Healthcare Programs members to enroll and participate in the Passport program, unless exempt from or ineligible for participation.

Members Ineligible for Passport
The Department has determined the following categories of members are not eligible to participate in the Passport program:

Living in a nursing home or other institutional setting.
Eligible for Medicare.
Eligible for Montana Healthcare Programs with a spend-down (medically needy).
Receiving Montana Healthcare Programs for less than three months.
Eligible for Montana Healthcare Programs foster care.
Eligible for Montana Healthcare Programs adoption assistance or guardianship.
Retroactive Montana Healthcare Programs eligibility.
Receiving Montana Healthcare Programs home and community-based services for persons who are aged or disabled.
Residing out of state.
Eligible for a non-Montana Healthcare Programs plan.
Receiving Montana Healthcare Programs under a presumptive eligibility program.

Members Exempt from Passport

The Department has determined members who are eligible to participate in the Passport program may request an exempt status for the following reasons:

Members who are able to establish that participating in the program would be a hardship.
Members who have third party coverage that provides case management services.
Members unable to find a PCP willing to provide case management.
Members residing in a county where there are not enough PCPs to serve the population.

The Department has the discretion to determine hardship and to place time limits on all exemptions on a case-by-case basis. Members who are exempt from participation may elect to re-enroll in the Passport to Health program at a later time.

End of Member Enrollment and Education Chapter

Passport Referrals

Passport referral is needed for most medically necessary services that the member’s Passport provider does not provide. Referrals can be made to any other provider who accepts Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus. Referrals can be verbal or in writing, and must be accompanied by the provider’s Passport referral number. Providers are required to keep a paper or electronic log of all Passport referrals given or received in the member’s records, a spreadsheet, or other record. The Passport provider establishes the parameters of referrals, which may be for a one-time visit, a time specific period, or the duration of a condition. An optional referral form is available on the Provider Information website.

Guidance for Appropriate Care

If a provider sees a member for a routine visit or sees the member frequently and is not that member’s Passport provider, the provider should talk to the member about the importance of having a medical home.

It is acceptable to deny service if the member is able to see his/her Passport provider. Conversely, the Passport provider is under no obligation to provide a referral if the member is able to see them. Suggest to the member that he/she see their Passport provider every time they are sick or hurt; it is also acceptable to suggest that the member changes to your clinic as their Passport provider. To change their provider, the member can call the Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Member Help Line from your office or have the provider fax a Provider Change Form (available on the website) signed by the member.

Providers should obtain a Passport referral in advance, in writing, and specific to services and dates. If a provider accepts a member as a Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus member and provides a service requiring a Passport referral without the member’s Passport provider’s referral, Montana Healthcare Programs will deny the claim. When a provider bills Montana Healthcare Programs for services rendered to a member, the provider has accepted the member as Montana Healthcare Programs and cannot bill the member for services. If a provider tried unsuccessfully to get approval from the PCP, the provider cannot bill the member unless the member agreed to pay privately before services were rendered. (ARM 37.85.406)

For details on when providers can bill Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus members, see the Billing Procedures chapter in your provider type manual or the General Information for Providers Manual; both are available on the website.

Passport referrals and prior authorization are different. For more information, see the Additional Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Requirements for Passport Members chapter in this manual and Prior Authorization chapters in your provider type manual and the General Information for Providers Manual.

Establishing Care and Referrals

Establishing care with a provider helps ensure Montana Healthcare Programs/Healthy Montana Kids Plus members receive effective, quality medical care. The Passport program recommends that in most cases, Passport referrals should not be given to specialists or other PCPs if the member has not established care with their PCP. In most cases, care should start with and be coordinated by the Passport PCP. Encourage the member to establish a relationship with their PCP for services.

If a provider consistently receives requests for referrals for a member that the provider has never seen, it is acceptable for the provider to disenroll the member from his/her Passport caseload. It is also acceptable to disenroll established members who are consistently seeking primary care elsewhere or specialty care that requires provider referral. See the Disenrolling Passport or Team Care Members chapter in this manual for more details.

Referral without Established Care

There are some instances where the Passport program requests that the Passport PCP provide a referral, even when care has not been established. The member’s access to care, whether or not the member has established care, is a responsibility of the member’s PCP.

A referral determination should be based on whether it is reasonable for the PCP to provide, and the member to access, that care in a specific situation. Some examples in which referrals are needed in order to ensure access to needed care are:

Member has moved away and chose a new provider.
Member is sick or injured and far from home.
Member is sick or injured and PCP is unable to see promptly.
Follow-up care with doctor seen initially through an ED admittance and surgery.
Inpatient psychiatric medical care.

Passport Referral Number

The Passport referral number is the number the PCP gives to providers when approving services. This is a number issued to the Passport provider and must be on the requesting provider’s claim or Montana Healthcare Programs will deny the service if it requires a Passport referral.

The Passport referral number is recorded in Box 17a on a CMS-1500 claim and Box 7 on a UB-04 claim. The referring provider’s NPI is not required.

Services Exempt from Passport Approval

Members must obtain services directly from or through a Passport referral, except for:

Ambulance
Anesthesiology
Audiology
Blood lead testing
Case management
Dental
Dialysis
Durable medical equipment
Emergency
EPSDT screenings
Eye exams and eyeglasses
Family planning
Hearing exams and aids
Home and community-based
Home infusion therapy
Home support services and therapeutic foster care
Hospice
Hospital swing bed
Immunizations
Inpatient lab and x-ray
Inpatient professional services
Intermediate care facility
Institution for mental disease
Laboratory/Pathology tests
Licensed social workers
Licensed professional counselors
Mental health centers
Nursing facilities
Obstetrical (inpatient and outpatient)
Optometrist or ophthalmologist
Personal assistance
Pharmacy
Prosthesis
Psychiatric residential treatment facility
Psychologists
Radiology (Some services may require Passport approval; see appropriate fee schedule.)
School-based
STD testing and treatment
Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment
Transportation (commercial and specialized non-emergency)

Indian Health Service (IHS)

All Native Americans are entitled to health services through Indian Health Service (IHS). When Native Americans are eligible for Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus, Montana Healthcare Programs will pay for services provided through an IHS as well as other Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus providers. A Native American Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus member who is enrolled in Passport to Health may choose an IHS to be the primary care provider if the IHS is a Passport provider. The member may alternatively choose a Passport provider other than an IHS. If the member chooses a Passport provider other than an IHS, he/she may go to an IHS as well without a referral from the Passport provider.

Passport and Team Care referrals for a Medicaid member designated American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) in the Medicaid system are not required when the member is visiting an Indian Health Service Unit, Tribal 638 Facility, or Urban Indian Health Center (I/T/U).

Passport and Team Care referral is not required when an I/T/U refers an AI/AN member to a provider who is not their designated Passport provider or Team Care provider. The non-I/T/U provider will be required to have the I/T/U’s NPI present in field 17a on a CMS-1500 or field 7 on a UB-04 or claims will be denied.

Passport Referral Tips

End of Passport Referrals Chapter

EPSDT Services

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) Services Program

EPSDT is a benefit package for all HMK Plus members designed to ensure that children receive comprehensive healthcare. The provider is encouraged to actively screen for specific pediatric problems, order diagnostic tests as indicated, and treat problems found, or if necessary, refer members to other providers for treatment.

The Well-Child Checkup

All children should have regular well-child checkups beginning at birth and through age 20. The Passport program sends reminders to Passport members advising them that they are due for a well-child checkup.

The Passport program encourages providers to conduct well-child checkups according to a specific schedule.

Montana Healthcare Programs has adopted the Bright Futures/American Academy of Pediatrics periodicity schedule. The national schedule can be found at brightfutures.aap.org. In addition to these scheduled visits, well-child screenings should be incorporated into every visit if possible.

Well-child checkups include the following:

Comprehensive health and developmental history
Unclothed physical examination
Vision screening
Hearing screening
Oral health screening
Developmental/behavioral
Anticipatory guidance
Immunization
Laboratory tests, including testing for children ages 12 and 24 months.

Diagnostic Testing and Referrals

If a screening indicates the need for further diagnostic testing or treatment, those services should be provided without delay. If the service cannot be provided by the Passport provider, a referral must be made.

Montana Medicaid/HMK Plus covers all services that are determined to be medically necessary to members under age 21, even if those services are not covered for adults. Examples of additional services for pediatric members include chiropractic treatment, nutrition, private duty nursing, residential treatment, respiratory therapy, school-based services, and substance use disorder inpatient and day treatment.

End of EPSDT Services Chapter

Billing and Reimbursement

Member Service Reimbursement

Reimbursement for Passport member services are the same as Montana Healthcare Programs fee-for-service reimbursement. This allows providers the opportunity to become actively involved in cost containment and quality of care without financial risk. For more information on reimbursement, see the Department’s fee schedule available on the Provider Information website.

Member Case Management Fee

In addition to fee-for-service reimbursement, Passport providers receive a case management fee, or an enhanced fee totaling $1 for regular Passport members, $3 for aged, blind and disabled members, and $6 per member per month for each enrolled Team Care member.

This fee is in a separate payment from the fee-for-service reimbursement and is paid regardless of whether the member is seen during the month. The monthly case management fee is paid with the expectation that the items listed in the provider requirements of this manual are completed as needed for member’s coordination of care. The monthly case management fee is paid to providers by their Passport number. The fees are listed with procedure code (G9008) for each Passport enrollee on the provider’s remittance advice. The date of service for the code is shown as the first of the month for which the fee is being paid.

Passport Billing Tips

Verify member's eligibility and Passport provider at each visit before treating the member. Contact Provider Relations for information on Montana Healthcare Programs claims.

Do not bill for case management fees; they are paid automatically to the provider each month. Team Care is a component of the Passport program; therefore, Team Care billing procedures are the same as Passport.

For additional instructions on billing Montana Healthcare Programs, refer to your provider type manual.

Billing Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus Members

To bill a Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus member, an agreement must be signed by the member in advance of services. There are two types of member agreements:

Private-pay agreements. State the member is not being accepted as a Montana Healthcare Programs member and will be responsible to pay for the services received.
Custom agreements. Include specific dates of services, actual services or procedures, and the cost to the member, and states the services will not be covered by Montana Healthcare Programs and the member will be responsible to pay for the services received.

Providers may not bill a member when the provider has informed the member that Montana Healthcare Programs may not pay or when the agreement is contained in a form that provider routinely requires members to sign. Members may be billed for:

Non-covered services.
Covered but medically unnecessary services, including services that Montana Healthcare Programs has denied payment for lack of medical necessity.
When provider is unable to get the Passport referral from the Passport PCP.
Services received when the provider does not accept the member as a Montana Healthcare Programs member.
Copayments.

Providers are required to accept the amount paid by Montana Healthcare Programs as payment in full. Unless an agreement is signed, members may not be billed for:

Any payment in addition to or in lieu of the amount paid by Montana Healthcare Programs.
Covered services denied by Montana Healthcare Programs.
Services Montana Healthcare Programs does not pay as a result of the provider’s failure to comply with enrollment, prior authorization, billing, or other requirement necessary to receive payment.

When a member is accepted as a Montana Healthcare Programs member in a service setting (e.g., facility, institution), all other providers performing services for the member will be deemed to have accepted the member as Montana Healthcare Programs.

Acceptance of a member as Montana Healthcare Programs applies to all services provided by the provider. A provider may not accept Montana Healthcare Programs for some covered services but refuse Montana Healthcare Programs for other covered services.

If a member has agreed prior to services that payment will be made from a source other than Montana Healthcare Programs but is later determined retroactively eligible for Montana Healthcare Programs, the provider may choose to accept the individual as Montana Healthcare Programs or seek payment in accordance with the original payment agreement.

A provider who bills Montana Healthcare Programs for services will be deemed to have accepted the member as Montana Healthcare Programs.

Bills owed to a provider do not affect the Passport relationship. A member may not be denied services or be disenrolled by the Passport provider due to unpaid bills. (ARM 37.86.402)

End of Billing and Reimbursement Chapter

Disenrolling Passport or Team Care Members

Disenrollment

A provider may disenroll a Passport or Team Care member for the following reasons:

Provider–member(patient) relationship is mutually unacceptable.
Member has not established care.
Member is seeking primary care elsewhere.
Member fails to follow prescribed treatment.
Member is physically or verbally abusive and poses a threat to providers or other members.
Member could be better treated by a different type of provider, and a referral process is not feasible.
Member consistently fails to show up for appointments.

A provider cannot disenroll a Passport or Team Care member for the following reasons:

An adverse change in the enrollee’s health status.
Member’s utilization of medical services.
Member’s diminished mental capacity.
Uncooperative or disruptive behavior as a result of the member’s special needs. The exception is if enrollment seriously impairs the PCP’s ability to furnish care to the member or other members. If this is the case, disenrollment must be approved by the Passport program officer.
Any reason that may be considered discrimination. (See the Complaints, Administrative Reviews, and Fair Hearings chapter in this manual.)
Failure of Members to pay co-payments owed prior to January 1, 2020 or other bills. Effective for all claims paid on or after January 1, 2020, copayment will not be assessed.

Member Notification

A written disenrollment notification must be sent to the member and Conduent by providing 30 days’ notice.

Verbal notification to the member does not constitute disenrollment; the provider remains responsible for the care of the member until the disenrollment process is complete.

Reasons for disenrollment must be explained in writing, must be non-discriminatory, must be generally applied to the provider’s entire patient base, and must be approved by Conduent.

At a minimum, the letter must:

Identify the member as your Passport patient.
Specify the reason for disenrollment.
Indicate notification of continuing care for 30 days.

A copy of the member’s disenrollment notification must be mailed or faxed to the Conduent Passport to Health Analyst. During these 30 days, the provider must continue to treat the member or refer the member to another provider. The provider’s 30-day care obligation does not start until a copy is received by Conduent Passport to Health. The Department makes exceptions to this rule only under extreme circumstances.

Providers may call the Conduent Passport Provider Analyst with questions about the disenrollment process. The Passport program will not disenroll members from a PCP without written notification from the provider. Passport will assist the member in selecting a new PCP.

A sample disenrollment letter is below.

Sample Disenrollment Letter

Dear Medicaid member,

This letter is to notify you that we are disenrolling you as our Passport patient due to consistently seeking primary care elsewhere. We will continue to provide you care or referrals to care for the next 30 days as you transition to a new provider.

Sincerely,

Care Clinic

End of Disenrolling Passport or Team Care Members Chapter

Complaints, Administrative Reviews, and Fair Hearings

Member Complaints

Formal complaints filed against a provider or healthcare facility for improper care or unsafe conditions will be forwarded to the proper state licensing agency. Informal member complaints or grievances about healthcare services rendered by a provider or professional will be forwarded to the program officer with knowledge of the program. Informal member complaints will be addressed by the program officer within 7 business days.

Administrative Reviews and Fair Hearings (ARM 37.5.310 and ARM 37.86.5120)

If a provider believes the Department has made a decision that fails to comply with applicable laws, regulations, rules, or policies, the provider may request an administrative review or fair hearing. Requests must be addressed to the Office of Fair Hearings. A copy must also be delivered or mailed to the division that issued the contested determination.

To request an administrative review, state in writing the objections to the Department's decision and include substantiating documentation for consideration in the review.

The Department must receive the request within 30 days from the date the Department’s initial determination was mailed. Providers may request extensions in writing within these 30 days. If the provider is not satisfied with the Department’s administrative review results, a fair hearing may be requested. Fair hearing requests must contain concise reasons the provider believes the Department’s administrative review determination fails to comply with applicable laws, regulations, rules, or policies. This document must be signed and received by the Office of Fair Hearings within 30 days from the date the Department mailed the administrative review determination.

Non-Discrimination (ARM 37.85.402)

The Department does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, creed, disability, marital status, or political beliefs.

Discrimination may not occur regarding admission to, participation in, or receipt of services or benefits of any of its programs, activities, or employment, whether carried out by the Department or through a contractor or other entity. In case of questions or in the event that you wish to file a complaint alleging violations please contact DPHHS, Office of Human Resources.

If you wish to file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights, contact them at the address or telephone number on the Contact Us page of the Provider Information website. A person does not have to go through the administrative review or fair hearing process to file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights.

End of Complaints, Administrative Reviews, and Fair Hearings Chapter

Appendix A: Forms

The forms listed below and others are available on both the Forms page of the Montana Healthcare Programs Provider Information website.

Passport to Health Referral Form
Tribal Health Improvement Program (T-HIP)
Member’s Provider Change/Enrollment Form

End of Appendix A: Forms Chapter

Definitions and Acronyms

This section contains definitions and acronyms specific to Passport provider. Additional definitions and acronyms are found on the Definitions and Acronyms page of the Provider Information website.

Group Passport to Health Provider

A group Passport provider is enrolled in the program as having one or more Montana Healthcare Programs/HMK Plus providers practicing under one Passport number.

Solo Passport to Health Provider

A solo Passport provider is enrolled in the program as an individual provider with one Passport number.

Well-Child Checkup

A well-child checkup is an important way to monitor growth and development of young members. Regular checkups provide an opportunity for providers to develop a strong relationship with their members.

End of Definitions and Acronyms Chapter

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Passport to Health Manual

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Passport to Health Manual

Update Log

Publication History

Update Log

End of Update Log Chapter

Table of Contents

Key Contacts and Websites

Program Overview

Role of the Passport Provider

Other Passport Programs

Additional Passport Information

Managing Your Passport Caseload

Member Enrollment and Education

Passport Referrals

EPSDT Services

Billing and Reimbursement

Disenrolling Passport or Team Care Members

Complaints, Administrative Reviews, and Fair Hearings

Appendix A: Forms

Definitions and Acronyms

Search Options

End of Table of Contents Chapter

Key Contacts and Websites

Fair Hearing or Administrative Review Request

DPHHS IHS/Tribal 638 Program

Interpreter Services

Montana Relay Services

Office of Human Resources and Office for Civil Rights

Passport to Health

Passport to Health Program Officer

Team Care Program

End of Key Contacts and Websites Chapter

Program Overview

Passport to Health Program

Program Goals

Rule References

Getting Questions Answered

End of Program Overview Chapter

Role of the Passport Provider

Becoming a Passport Provider

Passport Provider Enrollment

Suitable Coverage

Passport Marketing Materials

Requirements of the Passport Provider

Caseload Limits

Reporting Changes

Passport Provider Termination

Utilization Review

End of Role of the Passport Provider Chapter

Other Passport Programs

Team Care

Tribal Health Improvement Program

End of Other Passport Programs Chapter

Additional Passport Information

Prior Authorization

Member Co-Payment

Service Limits

End of Additional Passport Information Chapter

Managing Your Passport Caseload

Enrollment List

Team Care

End of Managing Your Passport Caseload Chapter

Member Enrollment and Education

Member Enrollment

Selecting a Passport Provider

Member Outreach and Education

Member Education Resources

Passport Member Eligibility

End of Member Enrollment and Education Chapter

Passport Referrals

Guidance for Appropriate Care

Establishing Care and Referrals

Referral without Established Care

Passport Referral Number

Services Exempt from Passport Approval

Indian Health Service (IHS)

Passport Referral Tips