How health plans can improve member access with digital ID cards

Teresa had planned her morning down to the minute. She arrived at the clinic right on time, mentally running through the questions she needed to ask. But as she reached the counter, her confidence faltered.  

Her ID card wasn’t in her wallet. The receptionist’s voice was kind but firm: “You might have to call member services or reschedule.” Teresa stepped aside, watching other patients check in while her appointment time ticked away.

Then she remembered Mia. She opened the app, tapped once, and her digital member ID appeared on her screen- large, clear, and ready to download. A quick beep, and she was checked in. The wave of relief was instant. She made it to her appointment.

What problems do members like Teresa face with physical ID cards?

Plastic cards are fragile in real life. People forget them. They crack, fade, and get lost in the shuffle of a busy morning. Tiny text makes them hard to read, especially when a member is nervous or in a hurry. And if the card isn’t there, the backup is often a long call, a reprint, or a reschedule.

In the U.S., more than 1 in 4 adults- over 70 million people reported having a disability in 2022. When access hinges on a small piece of plastic, a lot of people hit a wall they shouldn’t have to climb. And that wall reshapes a member’s day. Picture these scenarios: An older adult with shaky hands leaves the counter embarrassed and decides to wait. A rural member who took two buses is turned away. Told the next slot is in 28 days, and the follow-up never happens. A driver swapped a shift to be there. But no card means no check-in, lost pay, and a new date next month.

And it’s not just about one missed appointment. It’s what happens after:

- Delayed treatment

- Avoidable ER visits

- Skipped follow-ups

- Members losing trust in their plan

One small obstacle at check-in becomes a long-term pattern of disengagement.

How Mia helps your members‍

Mia is your member’s digital health companion and the member ID is just one part of what makes it powerful.

Mia makes their  ID card instantly accessible. Members can:

- Tap once to display their digital ID

- Download or save it to their phone

- Share it with a caregiver in seconds

- Feel prepared the moment they walk in

It’s not just check-in made simple- it’s relief, dignity, and the feeling of being supported the second they walk in.  ‍

Why this matters for health plans

You don’t win trust with grand gestures. You win it in moments like these.

Plans that embed Mia aren’t just solving an access issue,  they’re giving members shelter from the small, daily storms that make care feel hard. And when members feel protected, they show up differently- more confident, more engaged, more seen.  

And when you remove that barrier to care, you open the door to:

- Fewer missed follow-ups

- Better engagement with care

- Increased member satisfaction

- Reduced support call volume

- Fewer avoidable costs

It’s a small fix that prevents big fallout.
It tells your members: We see you. We thought of this. We made it easier for you.

That’s what changes the experience and the relationship.

‍FAQs

What is a digital member ID card?
A digital member ID is the electronic version of a health plan’s physical ID card. Members can access it via a secure app like MiaCares, and use it to check in at clinics, get medications, share with providers, or keep on hand for appointments.

Can Mia’s digital ID be used without internet?
Yes. Members can download the ID to their phone or save it to their digital wallet, so they can access it even when offline or in areas with poor reception.

Is it secure to use a digital ID for healthcare?
Absolutely. Mia uses built-in privacy features and secure access so only the member (or their authorized caregiver) can view or share the ID.

What if the member is elderly or not tech-savvy?
Mia is built for simplicity. Large text, single-tap access, and compatibility with assistive tech make it usable for older adults. Caregivers can also help access or present the ID.

How does this help health plans?
It reduces no-shows, missed follow-ups, and call center volume while improving member satisfaction and experience. t's a small feature with major downstream impact.

Conclusion‍

Health access shouldn’t be hard.

But for many members, one missing card is all it takes to derail their care.
They don’t want apologies. They don’t want promises.
They want something that works.

Mia works.

It replaces that fragile piece of plastic with a simple tap, one that says:
You’re ready. You’re covered. You belong here.

And that’s how trust is build.