DynamiCare Rewards: Protective Spending Features
The Problem
A common concern with implementing a Contingency Management (CM) motivational incentives program for individuals in recovery is the fear that they may use the financial support provided to purchase addictive substances. This is, first and foremost, a clinical issue, but it is also a liability concern. The HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) identifies patient incentives as a risk for waste, fraud, and abuse under multiple federal statutes and regulations.
The Solution
DynamiCare offers a unique and innovative solution to help individuals in recovery manage their finances and avoid high-risk spending behaviors. DynamiCare provides direct cash-equivalent rewards for healthy behaviors – the most efficient, effective, convenient, and best-liked reward method among patients. To accomplish this safely, DynamiCare has developed a Smart Debit Card delivery model. Our approach has proven to be safe and successful. It is also the only full-value reward model officially accepted by the federal OIG.
The Smart Debit Card uses a combination of merchant category code blocking and risk alerts to provide comprehensive support to DynamiCare members in managing their finances and staying on track with their recovery goals.
Merchant Category Code (MCC) Blocking is a technology that allows DynamiCare to block transactions at specific merchant codes. These codes are category identifiers assigned to businesses by payment networks like Visa and Mastercard. When a DynamiCare member tries to make a purchase at a blocked merchant, their transaction will be declined. This helps prevent members from spending money at locations that could potentially trigger a relapse or negatively impact their recovery. These locations include bars, liquor stores, escort services, casinos, etc.
Gift cards are an alternative option offered by DynamiCare. These gift cards are limited to specific merchants, which can help prevent members from spending money at high-risk locations or using their funds for non-recovery-related expenses. For example, DynamiCare may provide gift cards that can only be used at retailers that don’t sell alcohol like Starbucks, Macy’s, and Best Buy to help ensure that members are using their funds to support their recovery.
Risk Alerts are sent when the Smart Debit Card is used at a blocked location. This feature provides an additional layer of protection by notifying the member’s provider and DynamiCare’s team if the member attempts to use their card but the transaction is blocked. The full DynamiCare program includes assigning each member a designated App Guide (coach) to monitor their progress and support their recovery, ensuring that each risk alert is acted upon. The risk alert feature allows for immediate intervention and support to help prevent relapse and address any potential issues or concerns.
Overall, the combination of merchant code blocking, limited-use gift cards, and risk alerts provides comprehensive support to DynamiCare members in managing their finances and staying on track with their recovery goals. These innovative tools give individuals in recovery the freedom to manage their own finances while providing safeguards against high-risk spending behaviors. By using DynamiCare's Smart Debit Card, individuals in recovery can feel confident that their finances are being managed in a way that supports their journey towards lasting recovery.