Medicaid Ending? Here Is What to Do

In a concerning development, recipients of Medicaid coverage are at risk of losing their healthcare benefits as COVID-19 protections expire. With the ongoing pandemic still a major concern, this development could have severe consequences for millions of Americans who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare needs.

Millions of people on Medicaid may lose coverage as COVID protections expire. In California alone, the state government forecasts that at least 2 million people out of 15 million in the program today will lose Medicaid coverage because of loss of eligibility or failure to reenroll .

As the pandemic raged across the country, the federal government took several measures to help protect the healthcare of those most in need. Among them was an extension of Medicaid coverage for millions of people, including those who lost their jobs or saw their incomes drop due to the pandemic. These protections, which were enacted in response to the public health emergency, have been a vital lifeline for many Americans during these trying times.

However, as the pandemic begins to recede and the emergency status of COVID-19 is lifted, these protections are set to expire. This means that millions of Americans who have been relying on Medicaid coverage could lose their benefits, leaving them without access to crucial healthcare services.

The expiration of COVID-19 protections for Medicaid recipients is expected to hit low-income families and vulnerable populations the hardest. These individuals are often the most reliant on Medicaid for their healthcare needs and are least able to afford alternative options. Many of them may be forced to go without necessary medical care, including preventative services, chronic disease management, and even life-saving treatments.

Advocates for healthcare access and social justice have expressed concern about the expiration of COVID-19 protections for Medicaid recipients. They argue that the loss of healthcare coverage could have long-term consequences for these individuals, including increased rates of chronic disease, untreated illnesses, and financial hardship.

As the expiration of COVID-19 protections for Medicaid recipients draws near, it is essential that policymakers take swift action to ensure that vulnerable populations are not left without access to healthcare. This may include extending Medicaid coverage or providing alternative options for those who are at risk of losing their benefits.

Where Can I Get New Coverage?

Recipients who are at risk of losing their Medicaid coverage can explore several options for obtaining new healthcare coverage.

One option is to enroll in a new Medicaid plan through their state's health insurance exchange. Most states have online marketplaces where individuals can compare and enroll in health insurance plans, including Medicaid plans. Recipients can visit the official website of their state's health insurance exchange to find out more about the available options.

Another option is to enroll in a subsidized health insurance plan through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Individuals who have lost their Medicaid coverage due to the expiration of COVID-19 protections may qualify for a special enrollment period to enroll in a new health insurance plan through the ACA marketplace.

Recipients who are ineligible for Medicaid or ACA coverage may also explore other options for obtaining affordable healthcare. They can consider community health clinics, which provide low-cost medical care to uninsured or underinsured individuals. Some states also offer programs that provide free or low-cost healthcare services to eligible residents.

It is important for recipients to explore all of their options and enroll in a new healthcare plan as soon as possible to ensure that they have access to the medical care they need. They can reach out to their state's Medicaid agency or a certified enrollment counselor for assistance with finding and enrolling in a new healthcare plan.

What about Income-based Subsidies

Income-based subsidies are a type of financial assistance provided by the government to help individuals and families afford health insurance. These subsidies are available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace and are based on a person's income and family size.

Individuals who have lost their Medicaid coverage due to the expiration of COVID-19 protections may qualify for income-based subsidies to help pay for their health insurance premiums. These subsidies can significantly reduce the cost of healthcare coverage and make it more affordable for individuals who are facing financial hardship.

To determine eligibility for income-based subsidies, individuals can visit the ACA marketplace website and fill out an application. They will need to provide information about their income, family size, and other factors that may impact their eligibility. Based on this information, the marketplace will calculate the amount of financial assistance for which they may qualify.

It is important to note that income-based subsidies are only available to individuals who enroll in a healthcare plan through the ACA marketplace. Recipients who are interested in exploring this option can visit the official website of the ACA marketplace or speak with a certified enrollment counselor for more information.

What are the coverage differences?

The coverage differences between Medicaid and subsidized health insurance plans through the ACA marketplace can vary based on a number of factors, including the state in which the individual lives and the specific plan they select. However, there are some general differences that can be helpful to understand.

Medicaid is a federal and state-funded program that provides comprehensive healthcare coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families, including children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and individuals with disabilities. Medicaid covers a wide range of healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, laboratory tests, mental health services, and more. Medicaid typically has low or no out-of-pocket costs for enrollees.

On the other hand, subsidized health insurance plans through the ACA marketplace are private health insurance plans that are partially paid for by the government. These plans also provide comprehensive healthcare coverage, but the specific benefits and cost-sharing requirements can vary based on the plan. Subsidized plans typically have a monthly premium that enrollees must pay, but the amount of financial assistance available can significantly reduce the cost of the premium.

One important difference between Medicaid and subsidized health insurance plans is eligibility. Medicaid is only available to individuals who meet certain income and eligibility requirements, while subsidized plans through the ACA marketplace are available to individuals who earn between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, which varies by family size and geographic location.

Overall, while there are some differences in coverage between Medicaid and subsidized health insurance plans, both options can provide important healthcare coverage to individuals who may be facing financial hardship. It is important for individuals to explore their options and select the healthcare plan that best meets their needs and budget.

What if you are on Medicaid?

If an individual is currently enrolled in Medicaid and their coverage is at risk of expiring due to the expiration of COVID-19 protections, they may need to take action to maintain their coverage. They can explore several options to ensure that they continue to have access to healthcare services.

One option is to renew their Medicaid coverage by submitting an application to their state's Medicaid agency. Medicaid coverage must be renewed annually, and recipients will receive a notice from their state's Medicaid agency when it is time to renew their coverage. Recipients can also proactively contact their state's Medicaid agency to find out more about the renewal process and ensure that they do not experience a gap in coverage.

Another option is to explore other Medicaid programs that may be available in their state. Some states offer additional Medicaid programs that provide healthcare coverage to specific populations, such as pregnant women or individuals with certain medical conditions. Recipients can contact their state's Medicaid agency or visit their state's health insurance exchange website to learn more about the available options.

It is important for individuals who are currently enrolled in Medicaid to take action to maintain their coverage and ensure that they continue to have access to the medical care they need. They can contact their state's Medicaid agency or a certified enrollment counselor for assistance with renewing their coverage or exploring other healthcare options.

How can I get help?

If you are in need of assistance with your healthcare coverage or have questions about your eligibility for Medicaid or subsidized health insurance plans through the ACA marketplace, there are several resources available to help.

One option is to contact your state's Medicaid agency. Each state has its own Medicaid program, and the agency can provide information about the program, eligibility requirements, and the application process. They can also assist with renewing your Medicaid coverage or exploring other healthcare options that may be available to you.

You can also speak with a certified enrollment counselor. These are trained professionals who can provide assistance with enrolling in Medicaid or subsidized health insurance plans through the ACA marketplace. They can help you understand your coverage options, compare plans, and complete your application. You can find a certified enrollment counselor in your area by visiting the official website of the ACA marketplace or contacting your state's health insurance exchange.

Finally, you can seek assistance from community organizations or healthcare clinics. These organizations may have staff or volunteers who can provide guidance on healthcare coverage options and assist with the application process. They may also be able to provide other forms of assistance, such as referrals to healthcare providers or assistance with prescription drug costs.

It is important to reach out for help if you are in need of healthcare coverage or have questions about your options. These resources are available to help ensure that you have access to the medical care you need.

In conclusion, the expiration of COVID-19 protections for Medicaid recipients is a concerning development that could have severe consequences for millions of Americans. It is vital that policymakers act quickly to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to the healthcare they need to stay healthy and safe.