If you or a family member have health insurance through Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or the Basic Health Program (BHP), you need to find out if your coverage will continue. Here is what you should do now.
- Contact your Medicaid agency to make sure the state has the right mailing address, phone number, or other contact information for you.
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- Click this link to contact your state Medicaid Agency. Pick your state from the dropdown menu on the right.
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2. Check your mail for a letter from your Medicaid agency.
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- Check your mail for a letter about your Medicaid, CHIP, or BHP coverage. It will tell you if you need to complete a renewal form to see if you or a family member still qualify for coverage.
- If you get a renewal form, fill it out and return it right away. The state will let you know if you or your family member still qualify.
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What if I no longer qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or BHP?
If you or a family member no longer qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or BHP, you may be able to get health coverage through your employer or the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace.®
Employer Coverage
Talk to your employer about enrolling in a company plan. If the health plan is considered unaffordable for you and your family ̶̶ it costs more than 9.12% of your income ̶̶ you can enroll in an ACA plan. If the plan costs less than 9.12% for your coverage only, your family may qualify for an ACA plan, but will not be eligible for subsidies.
For more information, read our blog: Your Family Could Qualify for ACA Health Plan Subsidies Even if You’re Working.
SEP for ACA Health Insurance
Losing Medicaid, CHIP, or BHP coverage is considered a Qualifying Life Event, which allows you to enroll in an ACA plan during a special enrollment Period (SEP). If you have a household income between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL), you may qualify for a premium tax credit or special subsidies that will reduce your health insurance costs if you choose a silver-level plan.
Learn more about subsidies and metal plan types by reading our blog, Subsidies Help Lower Your ACA Health Plan Costs.
4 out of 5 people can find plans that cost less than $10 a month. Most plans cover things like prescription drugs, doctor visits, urgent care, hospital visits, and more.
You will have 60 days before and 60 days after you lose Medicaid to enroll in an ACA plan.
Why are Medicaid, CHIP, and BHP verifying my eligibility now?
In March 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) temporarily stopped some Medicaid and CHIP rules to prevent people from losing coverage during the pandemic. The rule applied to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the 5 U.S. territories.
But that rule, called continuous enrollment, ended March 31, 2023. States can now check to see if you are still eligible for health insurance coverage through the program you are enrolled in. States have one year to complete the redetermination process, also called Medicaid Unwinding. An estimated 18 million people will lose coverage during this time.
When will I get the letter?
Each state will decide when they are sending letters over the one year period. Some states are mailing letters first to the people they believe, most likely, are no longer eligible, while others are using the date people enrolled in the program. Some states have already mailed letters to enrollees.
What if I don’t respond?
If you don’t respond, your state may disenroll you, even if you are still eligible. If they can’t reach you, you may also be disenrolled. CMS estimates that around 7 million people will lose coverage because the state can’t get in touch with enrollees.
The best thing you can do is make sure the state has your current contact information. Contact your state agency today. Don’t wait.
Need help finding an ACA plan?
If you want to find out if you qualify for tax credits or get the best plan for your budget, health, and lifestyle needs, American Exchange is here for you. Our licensed, independent health insurance benefits experts will listen to your needs, then compare all plans available in your area at no cost or obligation to you. Contact us today.
call: 1.888.995.1674 email: enroll@americanexchange.com
Visit our ACA insurance for individuals and families web page.
Our compassionate agents are available to speak with you:
Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern
American Exchange is a licensed health insurance broker. Robert Huffaker, NPN 13568432
