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when they submitted their application, an HMO will be assigned for the BadgerCare Plus household based on the primary applicant’s previous enrollment in a BadgerCare Plus, if applicable, or based on a round-robin HMO assignment. If the member was previously enrolled in a BadgerCare Plus HMO in the last 12 months, they will be assigned to the previous HMO unless they are joining a household that is already enrolled in a BadgerCare Plus HMO. If the member is joining a household that is already enrolled in a BadgerCare Plus HMO, the member will be enrolled in the same HMO as the other members of the household effective the 1st of the next month. For members who are required to enroll in an HMO, if the member never indicated a preference to begin with, they will be assigned to an HMO and will receive an HMO enrollment packet in the mail. The enrollment packet includes a cover letter with information on their assigned HMO and start date, a BadgerCare Plus HMO Program Guide (P-12020) with a list of available HMOs and their service areas, an enrollment form, and instructions on how to choose or change an HMO. Voluntary members will also receive an HMO enrollment packet but will not be assigned to an HMO. They will receive a cover letter explaining they are not required to enroll in an HMO but can choose one if they want to. To select an HMO, check their current enrollment status, or make a change to their current enrollment, members can: • Log in to their ACCESS account and navigate to the “Manage My HMO” tab • Complete and return the HMO Enrollment Choice form by mail • Call the HMO Enrollment Specialist by phone at 1-800-291-2002 Members with questions about their rights as HMO members or concerns about the care they receive from the HMO may contact the HMO Ombuds. The HMO Ombuds can assist members in researching and resolving grievances or conflicts about their care. HMO Ombuds P.O. Box 6470 Madison, WI 53791-9823 Phone: 1-800-760-0001 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) 38.4.3 Open Enrollment and Lock-in Periods Once a member has been assigned to an HMO, they will have a three-month open enrollment period beginning from their initial HMO enrollment date in which they can change HMOs freely. After the three-month open enrollment period, the member enters a lock-in period for nine months. During the lock-in period, they cannot change HMOs or disenroll from the HMO without a qualifying reason such as an exemption or a change to an enrollment status that does not require HMO enrollment. Note The open enrollment and lock-in periods do not align with the 12-month eligibility certification period for BadgerCare Plus.