During the COVID pandemic, the government paused eligibility requirements for Medicaid and provided continuous coverage. That meant if a family was receiving Medicaid, they did not have to reapply and did not lose their coverage even if they no longer met the eligibility requirements. However, as of April 1, 2023, the government lifted the continuous Medicaid coverage, and Medicaid recipients would need to renew their Medicaid plans to receive benefits.
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The Importance of Reapplying For Medicaid Coverage During Medicaid Redetermination 2023
During the COVID pandemic, the federal government declared a public health emergency and provided continuous coverage for Medicaid recipients. Individuals receiving Medicaid would not lose their coverage even if they become ineligible due to income. Usually, Medicaid recipients must reapply yearly and meet eligibility guidelines to keep their coverage. However, during the declared health emergency, there was no requirement to reapply yearly.
In March of 2023, over 86 million individuals were enrolled in Medicaid. As of April 1, 2023, the continuous coverage provided due to the COVID pandemic ceased, and individuals needed to reapply in their state for Medicaid benefits. With the large number of people covered under Medicaid and the threat of possibly losing coverage, it is essential to know how to reapply for Medicaid to ensure no lapse in coverage.
Renewing Your Medicaid Coverage
Medicaid is the nation’s public health insurance program for low-income people. While Medicaid is funded on the federal and state levels, it is administered on the state level. That means that each state may have different eligibility guidelines and requirements. However, most states will have the same steps to reapply for coverage
1. Check Your Medicaid Eligibility
Each state’s Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) will have individual guidelines you must meet in order to be eligible for Medicaid. However, all states will require that you be a resident of that state and meet their income guidelines. You can check your state’s income guidelines by going to Medicaid.gov and selecting your state of residence or visiting or calling your local DHHR office.
2. Update Your Contact Information
The DHHR office needs your correct contact information to send you important information regarding your benefits and renewal. You can update your contact information by calling or visiting your local DHHR office. Many states also offer an online account for their Medicaid recipients. Visit your state’s Medicaid website to see if this service is offered, and if so, create an account. On your account, you will be able to update your contact information.
3. Respond to Any Communications From Your Local Medicaid Office
When reapplying for Medicaid, you should receive a letter from your state office on how to reapply and when. That letter may include a renewal form or application you can complete and return. That letter will also provide you with the requirements for anything else needed, such as proof of income. It is vital to respond to these letters in a timely manner to determine your Medicaid eligibility.
4. Follow Your State’s Steps For Medicaid Recertification
If you did not receive a renewal letter, that doesn’t necessarily mean you are still eligible for Medicaid. It could be that it was an error, or you will not receive a renewal form. In this case, contacting your local DHHR office and speaking with a case worker is important. They can help you determine if you need to reapply and how to start that process. You may also go online to your state’s DHHR site, access your online account, and reapply.
5. Await Confirmation of Coverage
After you have reapplied, it will take around 45 days to receive a decision on your Medicaid application. You will receive a letter called an explanation of benefits. This will tell you if you were approved and for what benefits. If you are approved for Medicaid, you will also receive insurance ID cards to use for services.
If you are denied, Medicare will send you a denial letter and an explanation. Medicare may deny you due to income or if you missed something on the application, such as proof of income. It is essential to review the denial carefully, as some individuals may be able to reapply with the correct information.
What This Means For You
If you received Medicaid during the COVID pandemic, it is important to know that those benefits will not go on forever. As of April 2023, recipients must reapply to maintain their coverage. Check with your local DHHR to see if you need to reapply and when. Following the correct steps in a timely manner will help ensure you and your family do not go without coverage if Medicaid is available. Doing nothing may lead to a lapse in coverage or losing your medical coverage altogether.