At the start of the pandemic, Congress enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which included a requirement that allowed all Medicaid members to keep active coverage without providing updated information each year. Primarily due to the continuous enrollment provision, Medicaid enrollment has grown substantially compared to before the pandemic and the uninsured rate has dropped.
However, on April 1, all states resumed annual Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility reviews and redeterminations. This means some people with Medicaid or CHIP could be disenrolled from these programs/lose benefits if they do not submit the required information for redetermination or if the state cannot reach them.
Here are some important steps individuals can take to ensure the retention of benefits:
1. Make sure your address is up to date.
- Make sure your state 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. Check Your Mail
- Your state will mail you a letter about your Medicaid coverage
- This letter will also let you know if you need to complete a renewal form to see if you still qualify for Medicaid.
3. If you get a renewal form, fill it out and return it to your state right away.
- This may help you avoid a gap in your coverage.
SSM Health is proactively reaching out to our patients to assist with re-enrollment or identification of other insurance plans if they are no longer qualified and are working closely with community benefits and advocacy to provide further support.
