States and healthcare organizations join forces to help people prepare for Medicaid redeterminations

• The number of people on Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program increased by almost 20 million since the start of the pandemic.  
• Continuous enrollment protections will end as early as April in some states.
• Healthcare organizations like UnitedHealthcare are taking steps throughout the redetermination process to ensure Medicaid recipients understand their options. 

As many as 18 million Americans may lose Medicaid coverage this year. 

Over the past three years, Medicaid recipients remained eligible thanks to a Congressional bill that provided funds to maintain continuous Medicaid coverage. As a result, Medicaid enrollment has grown by almost 20 million since February 2020. 

But this April marks the end of this pandemic-era policy that helped people maintain their Medicaid coverage. That means the continuous enrollment provision will expire and states will return to their pre-pandemic policies of requiring people to renew their Medicaid coverage annually. It's expected that somewhere between five and 18 million people — including six million children —  may lose Medicaid coverage during this redetermination process if they are no longer eligible.

So, who is actually at risk of losing coverage? Some Medicaid beneficiaries will be disenrolled due to factors like a new job or increased income, or a change in family status since their initial enrollment. Others could stay eligible but may lose coverage if they don't understand the redetermination process, face technology barriers, or haven't updated their contact information.

Luckily, there's still time to get ready. Healthcare organizations are now taking important steps to ensure access to health benefits for America's most vulnerable individuals and communities.

Maintaining coverage

States and Medicaid managed care organizations like UnitedHealthcare are preparing for the logistical demands of assisting millions of Americans in understanding their Medicaid benefits. Any individuals or families who lose Medicaid coverage through this redetermination process will need assistance securing replacement health insurance coverage.

"Keeping continuous comprehensive coverage allows people to have access to critical medical care and preventative services without interruption," said Tim Spilker, Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare Community & State.

"We want the public to understand that there are a wide range of affordable coverage options available to them, and our organization is committed to helping them navigate the process."

The good news is the majority of those who lose Medicaid coverage will be able to transition into state-based health insurance exchange and marketplace plans, among other options. Spilker and his team have been coordinating with state governments and are committed to working with them to deliver a trouble-free experience.

"Our first priority is to help people maintain Medicaid coverage if they still qualify," he said. "As an organization, we have a responsibility to ensure as many individuals as possible maintain continuous access to high-quality, affordable care. It is not only important for their well-being, but for the overall health system." 

UnitedHealthcare's efforts, in collaboration with state partners, include outreach to pharmacies, retailers, care providers, and community partners to ensure families and individuals are prepared for this renewal process — and that they understand their options if they need to secure new coverage. Its portfolio features affordable, quality plans including employer-sponsored, Medicare, and marketplace or exchange plans. 

As an organization, we have a responsibility to ensure as many individuals as possible maintain continuous access to high-quality, affordable care. It is not only important for their well-being, but for the overall health system.

Preparing Medicaid members for what's to come

Reaching out to Medicaid members will require a collaborative approach. States will need Medicaid stakeholders such as UnitedHealthcare — along with healthcare providers, federally qualified health centers, and other frontline groups — to tackle redetermination and supplement efforts by the states. Medicaid recipients can then take important steps to determine whether they'll be able to keep their benefits:

Step 1: Understand what is happening in your state. 

According to Spilker, the redetermination process will vary by state. 

"Different states are taking different approaches and have different timelines, so it's important for people to understand what they need to do," Spilker said. "It's also important to remember that losing Medicaid coverage does not mean that a person has to go without health insurance, as there are affordable options."

Step 2: Make sure your state Medicaid agency or health insurer has up-to-date contact information. 

Having the correct home contact information is critical in order to avoid people missing important notifications from the state or their insurers if they live at a new address.

Step 3: Research your state's Medicaid requirements and find out which other plans might be available.

This can be a confusing process, especially for those who lose Medicaid coverage, and it's their first time shopping for health insurance.  UnitedHealthcare has developed a web page with information about the Medicaid redetermination process and other coverage options to help people through this process.

"Without coverage, it becomes much harder for individuals to make care appointments, and get screenings and preventative care, ultimately leading to poor health," Spilker said. "We want the public to understand that there are a wide range of affordable coverage options available to them, and our organization is committed to helping them navigate the process."

Click here to learn more about how UnitedHealthcare can help you stay covered. 

This post was created by Insider Studios with UnitedHealthcare.