MEDICAID HOLDERS, BE PREPARED AND DON’T BE LEFT WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE

As part of the Public Health Emergency extension, Medicaid coverage has been extended until at least Jan. 11, 2023. Those who are currently eligible for Medicaid should prepare now to avoid potentially losing their coverage once PHE runs out.

The emergency declaration on Medicaid has been extended until Jan. 11, 2023, which allows people to still have Medicaid coverage for an additional 90 days. Those who currently use and rely on Medicaid should prepare for renewals or to find insurance alternatives to avoid losing coverage. As of this time, it is unknown if the PHE will be extended again, so Medicaid holders should keep an eye out for a mailed notice from Health and Human Services. LUPE will be helping people stay informed and prepare for what’s to come down the road.

A person who loses Medicaid due to the termination of the health emergency falls into three categories:

They remain eligible for Medicaid, but could lose Medicaid if they are not currently with the redetermination process.
Eligible for employer-provided coverage.
Eligible for subsidies to help cover the cost of health insurance through the Obamacare marketplace. Affordable Care Act marketplace subsidies would expire at the end of the year.

Individuals who remain eligible for Medicaid may have complications with navigating the redetermination process. Eligible individuals must take these steps to maintain their coverage:

Renew your eligibility if you have not done so.
Respond to HHS requests for income or address verification.
If you lose coverage due to termination of the public health emergency, you will have a special enrollment period for the health insurance marketplace.

Kayla Montano, Community Outreach Specialist at LUPE, said, “Access to health insurance is a crucial part to help our families thrive and stay safe. It’s important to stay on top of the situation at hand. You don’t want to be left without health insurance. If you currently qualify for Medicaid, but are unsure of what your options are, we at LUPE can help you understand the situation and guide you on the right path.”

To arrange virtual or in person interviews with Kayla Montano, Community Outreach Specialist, and Marcela Alejandre, Community Organizer, contact Ramiro Gonzalez, LUPE communications coordinator, at (956) 360-4277 or ramirog@lupenet.org Interviews available in English and Spanish.