Worried about losing Medicaid coverage?

Understanding Medicaid eligibility

Where can I find Medicaid coverage updates?

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicaid agencies paused eligibility reviews so those with benefits could keep them. But starting soon, states will return to their normal eligibility reviews. This review could affect your Medicaid eligibility. You can learn more about your state’s eligibility requirements on the Medicaid website. 


What is Medicaid redetermination?

This is the process that states use to ensure that Medicaid enrollees continue to be eligible for Medicaid coverage. This is also called “renewal,” “redetermination” or “recertification” review.

Here’s how it works: Your state will send you a renewal letter 45 to 30 days before your renewal date to recertify your Medicaid eligibility.

• If you complete your recertification and still qualify, you don't need to do anything else. You’ll remain a Medicaid enrollee.
• If you don’t complete your recertification by the renewal date, you will be disenrolled from Medicaid. You will need to re-apply.
• If you complete your recertification and don’t qualify, you will be disenrolled from Medicaid. You can apply for an Aetna CVS Health individual & family health plan. 
   

I’ve heard the federal public health emergency is ending soon. Is that affecting Medicaid eligibility?

Yes. The public health emergency (sometimes called “PHE”) was announced in March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began. As part of the PHE, state Medicaid agencies continued health care coverage for people enrolled in Medicaid, even if they were no longer eligible. The continuous coverage rule ended on March 31, 2023, even though the PHE is still ongoing.

Do I still get to keep my Medicaid coverage as long as the PHE continues?
 

The continuous coverage rule ended on March 31, 2023. So even if the PHE continues, you will need to show you’re still eligible for Medicaid. Your state will send you a renewal letter 45 to 30 days before your renewal date to recertify your Medicaid eligibility. Be sure to complete it and return it by the deadline. You can learn more about your state’s eligibility requirements on the Medicaid website.