How To Prepare for Upcoming Medicaid Changes
The Gist
The Medicaid redetermination process is under way, which means your state is going to check to see if you’re still eligible for the program. If you’re no longer eligible, you’ll lose your coverage later this year.
Make sure the contact information you provided your state Medicaid office is up-to-date. This ensures you’ll get alerts about the redetermination process and any changes to your coverage.
If you lose Medicaid, Stride can help you find and enroll in a new plan so there’s no gap in your coverage.
In This Article
In Short
It’s possible that you could lose Medicaid coverage later this year, because states are in the process of reassessing people’s eligibility for the program. But don’t worry — here’s a guide to help you prepare for this potential change, plus advice for how to find an affordable new health plan so there’s no gap in your coverage if you lose Medicaid.
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Medicaid redetermination, renewal, recertification … if you get your health coverage through Medicaid, you might have heard some of these terms already. But what do they mean?
So, what is Medicaid redetermination? Well, it’s the official name for a process by which your state checks whether or not you still qualify for Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage. It’s sometimes also called:
Medicaid renewal
Medicaid unwinding
Recertification
Case review
Transitions from Medicaid to marketplace
Medicaid transitions in coverage
Redetermination used to happen annually. But the government paused it for the last three years to ensure everyone had continual access to health care during the pandemic.
Now, though, the annual Medicaid redetermination process is restarting. Here’s what that means for you: If you or your family get health coverage through Medicaid or CHIP, you might lose that coverage later this year.
The Medicaid redetermination process varies from state to state. But here are some general timelines to keep in mind:
February 1, 2023: The redetermination process starts. Your state can now check whether or not you still qualify for Medicaid.
April 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024: At some point during this period, your state will let you know if you still qualify for Medicaid and what, if anything, you need to do to continue your coverage.
April 1, 2023: This is the earliest possible date that your Medicaid coverage will end (the actual date your coverage ends depends on your state), though you may be able to keep your coverage as late as April 1, 2024.
March 31, 2023 to July 31, 2024: This is the special enrollment period during which you can get other health insurance if you’re losing Medicaid coverage.
This might sound confusing, but don’t worry! We’re here to teach you about the process so you know what to expect and how to continue to get affordable health coverage if you lose Medicaid eligibility. Here are four simple steps you can take today to make sure your redetermination period goes smoothly.
1. Update Your Contact Information
First, make sure your state Medicaid office is able to contact you.
You can do that by updating your contact information (like your address, phone number, and email) in your Medicaid portal so that you’re able to receive any communications your state sends you about your redetermination status. You can also call your state’s Medicaid office to update your contact information over the phone.
2. Check Your Mail
Next, keep an eye out for a Medicaid redetermination letter in the mail (you might also get an alert via phone, text, or email). This letter should arrive between Feb. 1, 2023 and July 31, 2024. But remember, the redetermination process differs by state, so when exactly you receive it will depend on where you live.
This letter will tell you whether your Medicaid plan is ending or whether you need to fill out a renewal form to see if you’re eligible for continued coverage.
3. Fill Out Your Renewal Form
If your Medicaid redetermination letter asks you to fill out a renewal form, complete the form and send it back to the address provided.
Submit your renewal form as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t miss your state’s deadline. The cutoff to submit this form can vary from state to state, so be sure to note the deadline listed in your letter.
4. Apply for New Affordable Coverage
If you’re losing Medicaid, then your coverage will end 60 days after you’re notified that you’re no longer eligible (or as indicated on your notice). Luckily, you can enroll in low-cost marketplace plans instead (pro tip: skip the short-term health insurance).
Start by applying for coverage and a special enrollment period (your notice may let you know if you need to do this), which is the time during which you can enroll in a new health insurance plan. You have 60 days after you submit your application to enroll in that new plan.
No matter where you live, you can quickly and easily find your new plan with Stride.
