February 24, 2023 by Natalie Cochran
The End of Continuous Medicaid Coverage: Terminations and Re-Enrollment Begin April 1, 2023
Based on current COVID-19 trends, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is planning for the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, to expire on May 11, 2023. Earlier this month, there was an announcement ending the additional funding for SNAP recipients due to the PHE ending, and now there is a final decision regarding the continuous coverage program for Medicaid and Chip recipients. Based on the new federal law, continuous Medicaid eligibility will end on March 31, 2023. You need to renew your benefits when it’s time to ensure your coverage.
States will review all Medicaid and CHIP enrollees’ eligibility through a process they call “unwinding.” LSLA Staff Attorney for the Public Benefits Unit, LaRonda Pondexter commented on how the millions of individuals and families who have been dependent on the continuous coverage benefits since the beginning of the pandemic may be affected by this change.
“It is estimated that 15 million CHIP enrollees and 8.2 million Medicaid enrollees will lose coverage when the public health emergency ends on April 1, 2023. This will have an immeasurable impact on our client population, which is still experiencing the ripple effect of the pandemic. Our attorneys are prepared to help by advising applicants on their eligibility for these and related programs in this new landscape, and by challenging benefit denials improperly decided,” Pondexter said.
Both programs (CHIP and Medicaid) will revert to pre-pandemic requirements, and yearly updates for income limits will still apply.
What do you need to re-enroll?
- Identification: A valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license, Visa, Passport or ID from another country
- Proof of Dependents (Children 17 & under) : Birth Certificate, Social Security Card
- Proof of Income: Weekly Pay Checks (4 most recent and consecutive), Bi-Weekly pay checks (2 most recent and consecutive), SSI/ Social Security benefit letter, Child support, Unemployment documentation. If self employed, please bring current tax returns.
- Proof of Address: Utility Bill (water, light, cable, etc) or House or Lease agreement
If you need to re-enroll others, you will need the following:
- Family Information: Names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for any family members also covered by Medicaid.
For more information on CHIP and Medicaid in Texas, visit Texas Health and Human Services or www.yourtexasbenefits.com.
Our public benefits advocates help low-income families access nutritional, medical, and income-support benefits. They can assist individuals during the upcoming termination period, and provide information on eligibility, denials, or alternative coverage for those who will become ineligible. If you or someone you know requires legal help, you can apply at www.lonestarlegal.org or at 1-800-733-8394.
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm focused on advocacy for low-income and underserved populations by providing free legal education, advice, and representation. LSLA serves millions of people at 125% of federal poverty guidelines, who live in 72 counties in the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of Texas, and 4 counties in Southwest Arkansas. LSLA focuses its resources on maintaining, enhancing, and protecting income and economic stability; preserving housing; improving outcomes for children; establishing and sustaining family safety, stability, health, and wellbeing; and assisting populations with special vulnerabilities, like those with disabilities, the aging, survivors of crime and disasters, the unemployed and underemployed, the unhoused, those with limited English language skills, and the LGBTQIA+ community. To learn more about Lone Star Legal Aid, visit our website at www.LoneStarLegal.org.
Media contact: media@lonestarlegal.org
