What CNF Families Need To Know About Medicaid Unwinding
Although the COVID-19 public health emergency is ongoing, some protections are being removed. For our CNF community, one of the most important upcoming changes is an end to the continuous enrollment process of Medicaid. We have developed this resource guide to help you understand the process and crucial next steps.
Why does the unwinding of Medicaid matter?
As part of the COVID-19 public health emergency, state Medicaid programs were not allowed to conduct the typical annual redetermination process for beneficiaries. This meant that state Medicaid programs could not remove anyone from their rolls. Because of how this policy was written, states can initiate the first Medicaid redeterminations as early as February 1, 2023 (with terminations beginning in April 2023).
This means that if your child and/or your family are enrolled in Medicaid, you could lose coverage if you don’t take action.
The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that as many as 15 million people will be disenrolled, including 6.8 million who will likely still be eligible.
How do I prevent a loss in Medicaid coverage?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services urges individuals to prepare for the renewal process by following the steps below:
- Update your contact information. Medicaid.gov provides links to state Medicaid agencies. Make sure your mailing address, phone number, email, and other contact information are current.
- Check your mail. State Medicaid agencies will mail letters about coverage to let you know if you need to complete a renewal form to see if you still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.
- Complete your renewal form. If you receive a renewal form, complete and return it immediately to help avoid a gap in coverage.
I am a consumer. Where can I find additional resources?
- Medicaid.gov offers a guide for consumers that outlines the steps to take to help prepare for the unwinding and provides links to state-specific information.
- The Georgetown University Health Policy Institute Center for Children and Families has created a page dedicated to Unwinding Resources
I am a state agency. Where can I find additional resources?
- Medicaid.gov offers resources for states related to the unwinding process, including specific guidance, waivers, reporting requirements/forms, tools and templates, and communication toolkits in multiple languages.
- The Georgetown University Health Policy Institute Center for Children and Families offers state-specific renewal flyers and a communications toolkit for states.
I am a healthcare provider. Where can I find additional resources?
- Healthcare providers can share this gov graphic with patients.
- The Georgetown University Health Policy Institute Center for Children and Families offers resources for pediatricians and pediatric practices and family physicians, and family practitioners
