In 2023, millions of patients risk losing their Medicaid coverage if they do not renew their eligibility. However, there is good news – there are a few simple steps to ensure you have access to medical coverage to enable the continuation of care and elevate stress.

Why Medicaid Redeterminations Are Occurring in 2023

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was a federal law enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Among its provisions, the FFCRA introduced a continuous enrollment requirement for Medicaid, which was created to address concerns that patients could lose their Medicaid coverage due to changes in their circumstances or inability to complete the normal renewal process during the pandemic. Under this provision, states were required to maintain Medicaid coverage for existing beneficiaries without requiring them to go through the usual renewal process.

Preparing for the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, States began the process for Medicaid eligibility determination. As it has been over three years since the continuous enrollment requirement was implemented, it may complicate communication for re-determination, as many patients may have moved during the past few years.

What Should I Do to Maintain Medicaid Coverage?

1. Verify or Update your contact information
   • Contact your state Medicaid Office to update your address, phone number, and email address. When it is time for you to renew your Medicaid eligibility, the state will contact you.
     • For California, you can update your information at this site.
2. Understand your State’s deadlines. For California, you can find information here.
3. Complete all forms & information.
   • Sign & return forms as soon as possible and before your state’s deadlines
     • You may be asked about the number of family members, income, expenses and other information.

What if I Am No Longer Eligible for Medicaid?

There are resources available to help you obtain medical coverage.  Options can include:

1. Coverage through your Employment
   • Many employers offer health plans as part of their employee benefits packages, and typically an employer will pay a part of the premium toward your health plan each month.
   • Contact your employer and ask for information on their medical coverage. Ensure to inform them that you recently lost your Medicaid coverage, as it should qualify for a “Life Event” to allow you to enroll in coverage outside your employer’s typical enrollment processes.
2. Coverage through Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace
   • ACA Marketplace plans are sold on the health care Marketplace (also called the Exchange}. These are plans you can buy on your own for you – and/or your family.
   • You can find more information at gov.

Being proactive to ensure you maintain medical coverage will enable access to care, reduce financial hardship, give peace of mind and will support families battling pediatric cancer. At Here to Serve, our care coordination resource can assist families in finding support.  Check out the wide range of our services, and Donating  to cancer nonprofits like Here to Serve allows your money to help support families at the most difficult time of their lives.

By Jennifer Doner

About the Author

A Board Member for Here to Serve, Jennifer Doner is a healthcare business leader who has been driven for over two decades to improve health and well-being through advancing business strategy and driving innovation in the healthcare system. 

All information on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.

Photos in this article are AdobePhotoStock.