Will “unwinding” the COVID-19 State of Emergency impact Medicaid beneficiaries?
Medicaid is a government-run health insurance program for low-income individuals and families of all ages. During the COVID-19 State of Emergency, Medicaid recipients could not lose coverage due to the continuous Medicaid enrollment provision. After a three-year pause, state employees are now checking the eligibility status of Missouri Medicaid beneficiaries.
According to MO HealthNet, the number of Medicaid enrollees has grown from over 900,000 Medicaid enrollees to more than 1.4 million since 2020, an increase of roughly 56%. It’s estimated that nearly 200,000 Medicaid beneficiaries could lose coverage if they no longer qualify. Some may be re-enrolled over time if eligibility can be proven. There is also a special enrollment period at the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace on HealthCare.gov through July 31, 2024 for those losing coverage.
- If you are a Medicaid enrollee and your address has changed in the last three years, please update your contact information with the Family Support Division by calling 800-373-4636.
- Watch your mailbox for a letter for more information. It will typically arrive around the anniversary month of your initial enrollment between April 2023 and April 2024. If you receive a Medicaid renewal form, fill it out and return it as soon as possible to avoid a gap in your Medicaid coverage.
- If you no longer qualify for Medicaid, you can enroll for affordable coverage at the Health Insurance Marketplace through July 31, 2024. Call the Marketplace Call Center at 800-318-2596 for help.
This fraud prevention information is brought to you by Missouri SMP. Our mission is to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers to prevent, detect and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. Get more information on our website at https://www.missourismp.org.
Call (888) 515-6565 to report suspected Medicare or Medicaid fraud, errors, or abuse.