With the pandemic-era ban on Medicaid expiring, approximately 15 million Americans are facing the risk of losing their Medicaid coverage. This development has created uncertainty and concerns among families as states resume redeterminations, which may lead to disenrollment for individuals no longer meeting the eligibility criteria, often due to changes in circumstances like income levels. The potential impact is expected to disproportionately affect children, Latinos, and Black Americans, raising significant worries about healthcare access for vulnerable communities.
Here are seven crucial steps for individuals and families who find themselves at risk of losing their Medicaid coverage:
1. Re-apply for Medicaid: Act promptly and submit a new Medicaid application within the 90-day restoration period after disenrollment, even if procedural issues led to disenrollment. You may still be eligible.
2. Challenge the state's decision: If you miss the 90-day period, request a fair hearing from your Medicaid office to challenge the decision, following your state's appeal process.
3. Explore Health Insurance Marketplace: If ineligible for Medicaid, explore low-cost or no-cost premium plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace on HealthCare.gov, with subsidized options available to make coverage affordable.
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4. Plan Ahead: If you know your Medicaid coverage will end, apply for a Marketplace plan up to 60 days before your Medicaid coverage expires, with benefits starting the following month.
5. Consider Alternative Options: If Medicaid isn't an option, explore other avenues like employer plans, partner's employer plans, or student health plans. Enrollment is typically allowed within 30 days after losing coverage, irrespective of open enrollment periods.
6. Stay Informed: Stay updated on your state's Medicaid policies and deadlines to effectively navigate the system.
7. Seek Assistance: If the process seems overwhelming, reach out to local community centers, healthcare navigators, or non-profit organizations specializing in healthcare access for guidance and support.
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These steps aim to help individuals and families maintain essential healthcare coverage during this transition period.
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