When collecting demographic information from a patient, what should the Medicaid eligibility verification system (MEVS) provide?

The Medicaid eligibility verification system (MEVS) is primarily designed to confirm a patient's eligibility for Medicaid benefits, which includes verifying critical information related to the dates of coverage. This aspect is essential for ensuring that healthcare providers are aware of when a patient is eligible for services under Medicaid, preventing any denial of services due to lack of coverage during specific periods.

Accurate dates of coverage help both providers and patients understand the timeframe in which Medicaid will provide reimbursement for the services rendered. This information enables healthcare providers to check whether a patient is eligible for treatment and services, ensuring compliance with Medicaid regulations.

The other options, while relevant to healthcare insurance, do not directly pertain to what MEVS is primarily used for. Insurance premium rates and pharmacy benefits might be accessible through other systems or reports, but they are not the focus of the MEVS. Provider contact details are also unrelated to the primary function of verifying Medicaid eligibility and coverage. Thus, the correct answer reflects the crucial nature of coverage dates in the context of Medicaid services.