Medicaid Redetermination

The end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency means that states are resuming normal Medicaid eligibility operations. Here’s what to know about Medicaid redetermination, how it may affect your current Medicare coverage – and how SmartMatch can assist you.

What to know about Medicaid Redetermination

You may have gotten a letter in the mail from your state’s Medicaid office explaining redetermination. Or maybe you heard about this in the news, or online. Since 2020, the normal Medicaid redetermination – also known as Medicaid renewal or recertification – has not occurred because of acts Congress passed to keep people continuously enrolled in Medicaid during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

Now that the public health emergency is over, states are resuming normal Medicaid eligibility operations. This means redetermination is beginning again. For individuals enrolled in Medicaid prior to 2020, this might not be confusing. But for those who gained dual Medicaid and Medicare eligibility during the pandemic, this can be a confusing process – especially when states are using different timelines and plans for ensuring their Medicaid recipients are aware of the process.

Our licensed SmartMatch agents are ready to help you through Medicaid redetermination.

Have you received notice that your Medicaid coverage is ending?

Even if you’ve received a disenrollment notice, it’s important to note you still have options.

• If you are notified your coverage is ending, you can request a hearing from your Medicaid agency before the cancellation takes effect.
  • This will help ensure you stay covered during the appeals process.
  • Many states let you attend hearings and reviews by telephone or video, including providing access to individuals with disabilities and those who have a different primary language than English.
• Even after being disenrolled, you may still have a 90-day window to restore coverage.

If you’re in danger of losing coverage, contact SmartMatch today.

The Medicaid Redetermination 2023 Process

You receive a Medicaid redetermination letter in the mail from your state’s Medicaid office.

Submit your required documents based on your state’s Medicaid office requirements

Your state’s Medicaid office reviews your eligibility, and will either approve or deny your eligibility.

If your eligibility changes, you will have the opportunity to enroll in a Medicare plan that fits your needs.

FAQs about Medicaid Redetermination

Medicaid follows a “redetermination” process to verify that Medicaid recipients are still eligible for benefits. You might also see this referred to as Medicaid renewal or Medicaid recertification. They do this annually and some states do it more often. This is done to ensure these benefits go to the people that need them. They suspended this practice due to the pandemic. 

Each state is following a different timeline – you can find more information about that below – but if you haven’t received a letter yet, it’s a good idea to contact your state’s Medicaid office to ensure they have your up-to-date contact information.

As Medicaid is a state-run program, the requirements for eligibility vary from one state to another. We recommend you carefully read the letter and make sure you understand your state’s process, as well as the documents to send in – and where to send them. While a SmartMatch agent cannot send in the documents for you, we can assist you with any questions regarding the process, and ensure you have a trusted partner every step of the way.

Medicaid is a state program and every state is different. While there are different ways to receive Medicaid benefits, many states verify your income and your assets. You may be asked to provide information about your previous income and any changes in the documents that were mailed to you.

While the documents may vary from state to state, here are examples of what you may be asked to provide:

• Birth certificates
• Driver’s License/ State ID License
• Pay stubs
• Tax returns
• Bank statements
• Proof of address
• Bills for housing, utilities and other expenses
• Medical records
• Record of immigration status

You could either stay in your current Medicaid program, be placed in a different one, or no longer qualify. If there’s any change you should call us to ensure you’re in the right plan aligned with your level of assistance.

Your plan won’t immediately change if your Medicaid level is redetermined. You’ll have a period of time where you can keep it. However if your assistance changes your current plan might not be the right one for you. If there’s any change you should call us to ensure you’re in the right plan.

Everyday our team helps people navigate the redetermination process. We can guide you through the necessary steps, answer questions about  paperwork and even help you enroll in new coverage if needed. Just give us a call and we’ll help ensure you have the coverage you want.

Even if you’re losing coverage, you still have options. Here are some tips for how to proceed if your state Medicaid agency has informed you that you’re losing coverage:

Make sure your state Medicaid agency has your current contact information.

• If you are notified your coverage is ending, you can request a hearing from your Medicaid agency before the cancellation takes effect.
  • This will help ensure you stay covered during the appeals process.
  • Many states let you attend hearings and reviews by telephone or video, including providing access to individuals with disabilities and those who have a different primary language than English.
• Even after being disenrolled, you may still have a 90-day window to restore coverage.

If you’ve received a disenrollment letter, we encourage you to contact a SmartMatch agent to make sure you have all the information you need to take the proper next steps.

SmartMatch: Your Partner During Medicaid Redetermination

Whether your state has begun the redetermination process or not, SmartMatch Agents are standing by to assist you with any questions, concerns or help you may need during Medicaid renewal.

We can assist you in ensuring you understand your state’s requirements for Medicaid renewal, pointing you to state-specific information.

If your Medicaid eligibility does not change – meaning no changes are necessary to your current Medicare plans  – we can continue to help you evaluate and compare your coverage during normal Medicare enrollment periods.

If your Medicaid eligibility does change, have no fear: Our agents  can help ensure that you understand all your options, and we’ll provide you with up-to-the-minute information and plans to find coverage that meets your health and budget needs.

Call us with any questions throughout this process. We’re ready to make this as easy as possible for you.

Medicaid Redetermination by State: Timeline & Helpful Links

The table below provides state-specific timelines and information about each state’sMedicaid renewal process for 2023. This information is subject to change, and is meant as guidance to help you determine what your state requires during this process.

The Redetermination Process Date indicates the likely earliest date range in which you can expect to receive a letter from your state’s Medicaid program to begin the process. However, that communication might arrive earlier or later.

Many states are attempting to verify addresses and contact information. If you have moved in the last few years and have not updated your information, we recommend that you reach out directly to your state’s Medicaid office to ensure you’re not missing any mail or communication.

It’s also important to note that many states offer the ability for you to handle the Medicaid redetermination process online. The links below can help you find the information you need.

*Source of timeline is Medicaid.gov, which is accurate as of Feb. 24, 2023: https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/downloads/ant-2023-time-init-unwin-reltd-ren-02242023.pdf

Still have questions about Medicaid Redetermination?

Our agents are ready to help. Give us a call and we’ll ensure you get the answers and support you need.

This is a solicitation for insurance. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. SmartMatch Insurance Agency, LLC and SmartMatch.com are wholly owned and operated by Spring Venture Group, LLC. SmartMatch Insurance Agency and its divisions are licensed to sell insurance products in all 50 states and DC. Callers will be connected with a licensed agent who can enroll you into a Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug (Part D and Medicare supplement insurance plan.

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