Dear Addy: Unwinding Medicaid

Dear Addy,

I’ve heard that states have begun unwinding Medicaid, what does that mean for me and my family? Will we still have coverage, and what do we need to do?

Signed,

Unwinding Undertaker

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Hi Undertaker,

You may have heard about Medicaid unwinding/ the public health emergency/eligibility redeterminations in the past few months. We understand how important it is to stay on top of your coverage, so that you don’t experience any gaps in care, and wanted to make sure we de-mystified the unwinding process. 

As of Feb. 1, states have started processing eligibility renewals and redeterminations for state Medicaid enrollment, which means that families currently enrolled in Medicaid will be subject to renewal or termination from the program. However, the timeline to complete renewals for all enrollees may vary state by state. For example, some states, like Arkansas, began notifying Medicaid recipients as early as Feb. 1, with plans of completing the redetermination process by August. On the other hand, some states have a much longer redetermination process. For example, Minnesota will begin their process on April 1, with plans to complete the redetermination process by May 2024. Please refer to this table for more information on the first anticipated dates for Medicaid terminations in your state. 

It’s important to remember Medicaid programs go by different names in different states. Some people might not even be aware that they receive coverage through a Medicaid program. For example, Connecticut’s state Medicaid program is called Husky Health, while Wisconsin’s is called BadgerCare. Some states, like Alabama, simply name their Medicaid program after their state’s name. As states re-start their Medicaid and CHIP eligibility reviews, it can be hard to know where to look for program contact information. Find your state’s Medicaid website and phone number.

To prepare, please make sure your contact information is up to date, please open and respond promptly to any messages on Medicaid or CHIP about your coverage, and be aware of your state timeline for determinations.

Here are some things you can do to prepare: 

1. Update your contact information. Make sure your State Medicaid or CHIP program has your current mailing address, phone number, email, or other contact information. This way, they’ll be able to contact you about your Medicaid or CHIP coverage. 
2. Pay close attention to your mail. Your State Medicaid or CHIP program will mail you a letter about your Medicaid or CHIP coverage. This letter will also let you know if you need to complete a renewal form to see if you still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.
3. Complete your renewal form (if you get one). Fill out the form and return it to your State Medicaid or CHIP program right away to help avoid a gap in your Medicaid or CHIP coverage. 

What happens if I no longer qualify for Medicaid or CHIP?

If you or a family member are told that you no longer qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, you may be able to appeal that decision. Or you may be able to get health coverage through the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace and get help with the costs. You can visit HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) to get details about Marketplace coverage. Please remember to contact HFA or your HTC if you have any questions about coverage.

Sincerely,

Addy

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HFA frequently receives questions from the bleeding disorders community related to advocacy issues. The questions often impact the entire community. In an effort to reach the largest audience possible with our responses to these widely applicable questions, HFA developed “Dear Addy.” Questions submitted to this column are edited in order to protect privacy and should be considered educational only, not individual guidance.