A medical worker collects a swab sample from a woman at a COVID-19 testing site in New York, the United States, March 29, 2022.
Wang Ying | Xinhua News Agency | Getty Images
Recent data published by the Kaiser Family Foundation reveals that approximately 1 million individuals have been removed from Medicaid since the expiration of coverage protections implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic in April. It is important to note that the actual number of people affected is likely higher, as only 20 states are publicly reporting these figures.
Shockingly, many individuals are losing their Medicaid coverage despite still being eligible. The KFF report highlights that a majority of those affected did not complete the necessary paperwork or could not be reached by authorities.
Xavier Becerra, the Health and Human Services Secretary, expressed deep concern over the issue and urged governors to take action. He emphasized the need to redouble efforts, expand successful initiatives, and ensure that no eligible beneficiary experiences a loss in coverage due to avoidable paperwork issues.
Becerra specifically emphasized the potential impact on children if their parents lose Medicaid coverage. He stressed the importance of parents understanding that their children may still be eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
In order to mitigate the situation, Becerra called upon states to request parents, even if they believe they are no longer eligible, to fill out renewal forms for their children. The Secretary also suggested incorporating messaging about Medicaid renewals into schools, early childhood programs, and summer camps to reach parents.
Covid safety net ends
During the Covid public health emergency, Congress enacted legislation that prevented states from terminating people’s Medicaid coverage. As a result, there was a significant increase in enrollment in the insurance program, which primarily serves individuals with lower incomes.
In April, these protection measures expired following the passing of spending legislation, granting states the authority to review individuals’ eligibility for the first time in years.
Medicaid, although administered by states, receives significant federal financing. Furthermore, states are prohibited from terminating coverage solely based on a person’s failure to receive renewal paperwork sent to their address. Authorities are required to make multiple attempts to contact individuals during the renewal process.
Becerra assured that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would employ its authority to ensure states comply with these conditions.
It is estimated that approximately 15 million people will lose Medicaid coverage as states review eligibility. While many of these individuals may be eligible for insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace or an employer, around 6.8 million people are expected to lose Medicaid coverage despite remaining eligible.
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