Article Summary –
A special federal rule put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed people to stay on Medicaid without proving eligibility and prevented states from removing them; this rule increased Michigan’s Medicaid enrolment to 3 million. However, since the rule was lifted last year, only about half of these individuals have retained Medicaid coverage, and since last June, approximately 700,000 people have lost coverage. To prevent further coverage losses, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has notified Medicaid plan holders about the recertification requirement, has reinstated multiple avenues for Medicaid renewal, and allows those who were disenrolled for procedural reasons to resubmit required information within 90 days to have their benefits reactivated.
Special Federal Rule Impact on Michigan Medicaid Enrolment
A special federal rule during the COVID-19 pandemic expanded Medicaid rolls to 3 million Michigan residents. However, with the rule lifted, only half retained their coverage.
Renewal of Medicaid Coverage in Michigan
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services renewed Medicaid for over 1.4 million residents as of February. Since the renewal period began last June, approximately 700,000 people lost coverage, equal to the number added during the pandemic.
End of Federal Rule and Medicaid Qualification Review
A federal spending bill ended the rule on March 31, 2023, requiring states to review Medicaid beneficiaries’ qualifications over a year until May.
The Fear of Medicaid Beneficiaries Losing Coverage
Officials feared those qualifying for Medicaid would be dropped after the COVID-19 emergency, affecting their access to healthcare services.
Medicaid Coverage and Redetermination Process
Medicaid, a joint federal-state program, offers health coverage to millions, including children and expectant individuals. A redetermination process has seen higher child disenrollment rates in states that didn’t expand Medicaid compared to states like Michigan that did.
Reasons for Coverage Loss in Michigan
Most individuals lost coverage due to procedural issues, such as failing to complete renewal paperwork. Around 127,000 were deemed ineligible, mainly due to not meeting the income requirements for Medicaid.
Future Eligibility Predictions and Renewal Process in Michigan
The Michigan health department spokesperson, Lynn Sutfin, added that roughly 300,000 more residents need to complete their renewal process by June 30.
Efforts to Retain Medicaid Coverage
To minimize coverage loss, MDHHS has notified Medicaid plan holders of the recertification requirement through various means. It has also extended renewals for beneficiaries undergoing crucial treatments.
Reenrollment and Advisory for Disenrolled Individuals
Disenrolled individuals found still eligible have 90 days to submit the required documents for reenrollment and retroactive benefits. MDHHS urged all households to return their renewal paperwork as some family members may still qualify.
—
Read More Michigan News
