Medicaid Renewals - Taking proactive steps to help people retain health coverage

Back-to-school efforts raise awareness about the Medicaid redetermination process.

The issue

Millions of Americans are facing a new, post COVID-19 reality with the restart of the Medicaid renewal process. Since late August, more than 5 million Medicaid beneficiaries have been disenrolled, putting at risk access to the health care services they need, such as vising their doctor or getting prescriptions filled. This could lead to undiagnosed conditions, a lag in treatment or nonadherence to care plans. For children this lack of coverage could result in fewer vaccinations against highly contagious diseases.

Long before redeterminations began, Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies launched a range of outreach campaigns and leveraged partnerships designed to raise awareness and help individuals, kids and families retain or transition to new coverage. These efforts underscore a nationwide commitment to ensuring everyone has access to high-quality, equitable and affordable care.

Why now?

During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the annual Medicaid renewal process known as “redetermination” was suspended by Congress. As of April, Americans are once again, required to annually renew their Medicaid plans.

The impact

More than 40 million children — nearly half of all children in the U.S. — are covered by Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It is estimated that this redetermination process will remove nearly 7 million children from Medicaid rolls, many of whom are still eligible for coverage through Medicaid or CHIP.

How BCBS companies are helping

• Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon) is collaborating with local school superintendents to reach all schools within a district. Using a “Train the Trainer” approach, Horizon is supporting front-line school staff including office staff and school nurses in how best to assist Medicaid members retain coverage during the redetermination period. Horizon also provides educational materials and technical support with laptops for parents and families attending back-to-school events in order to assist with applications on the spot.
   
• In finding ways to work through challenges in the Medicaid redetermination process, Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield discovered school districts were unaware of the significant impact redeterminations could have on children. Highmark reached out directly to superintendents to share the impact that children’s health coverage has on school wellness and services. Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield swiftly planned to use a mobile concierge service to provide education, which plays a big role in creating awareness, and support the redetermination process.

What should Medicaid beneficiaries do?

During the redetermination process, Medicaid members should visit their state’s Medicaid enrollment website or Medicaid.gov/renewals and scroll down to the map to find their state’s information. These sites contain detailed renewal information and outline steps Medicaid members can take to ensure continued coverage:

Steps:

• Verify or update their address, phone number and email address with their state Medicaid program.
• Report any changes to their household or income to their state.
• Fill out a renewal form sent by their state in the mail and provide any additional information the state requires to renew their coverage.

Americans who are no longer eligible for Medicaid coverage will be able to shop for and enroll in comprehensive health insurance. Many will be eligible for financial assistance to help transition them to coverage being offered through employers, state exchanges or Healthcare.gov.

Read more about what steps Medicaid enrollees can take to maintain coverage, and check out our Subsidy Calculator, which is used see if members qualify for tax credits that will lower their monthly costs through the Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov.

See what else BCBS companies are doing to help keep Medicaid members covered.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield Companies. All Blue Cross and Blue Shield Companies referenced are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.