As many as 18 million Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollees are at risk of losing coverage beginning April 1, 2023, as states resume reviewing Medicaid eligibility and end continuous enrollment policies.
Teams from across Ascension have come together to share information, create resources, and reach front-line associates who interact most with patients.
“Medicaid enrollment rates grew substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the inclusion of a continuous enrollment provision within the Public Health Emergency,” said Peter Leibold, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer. “We risk reversing these recent gains if we do not advocate, raise awareness, and proactively offer ourselves as a resource to our patients during this transitional time.”
“This proactive outreach and critical awareness-raising effort can have a significant impact on a patient's life,” said Stacy Garrett-Ray, MD, MPH, MBA, Senior Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer. “By bringing attention to the redetermination process, we are ensuring our patients never find out they are without insurance in a situation when they need coverage the most.”
Associates are encouraged to join the effort and spread the word about steps loved ones, patients and community members can take to maintain their coverage. By following the five simple steps listed below and sharing the resources on this website, you, too, can make a difference in the lives of patients.
- Ask loved ones currently enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP if they have updated their contact information with the state Medicaid agency. This ensures they will be sent the most accurate and timely mail about their coverage.
- Direct them to their state Medicaid agency using the accompanying Ascension QR code.
- Encourage them to watch their mail and review it carefully. Often, mail from the state looks like junk mail.
- Remind them to complete a renewal form (if they get one) to prevent gaps in Medicaid or CHIP coverage.
- If they are covered by Medicaid or CHIP, be sure they connect with their state-specific enrollment assistants, navigators, caseworkers and/or community resources to determine if they are eligible for plans in the health insurance exchanges or with any financial assistance programs that may be available.
Click here to learn more about Medicaid Redetermination, how to help spread awareness, and the right questions to ask the people who are impacted.
