Important: Action Needed Regarding Medicaid and Badgercare Eligibility
As you may have heard, the Medicaid and CHIP (called Badgercare in Wisconsin) programs are re-starting eligibility reviews. Community members may receive letters, emails or other communications from these public insurance programs. It’s important that you respond promptly. Wisconsin could terminate coverage for people who don’t respond or who are no longer eligible for coverage. Learn more, including steps you should take to make sure you don’t lose your coverage! WI Medicaid (Badgercare) recipients can check their status here.
Why is this happening now?
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress told Medicaid programs to “pause” eligibility reviews and terminations. But Congress lifted that pause, and state Medicaid programs have re-started eligibility re-determination. States must initiate renewals for all individuals enrolled by March 31, 2024, and must complete renewals for individuals enrolled by May 31, 2024. This process is sometimes called the Medicaid “unwinding.”
What should you do?
Make sure that you or anyone in your family that currently has Medicaid or CHIP coverage stay watch for news from the state Medicaid or CHIP program. Individuals who receive information requests from Medicaid or CHIP will need to take steps to confirm their eligibility and contact information, so they don’t lose coverage.
What should you do to prepare?
- Update contact information. Make sure the State Medicaid or CHIP program has your current mailing address, phone number, email or other contact information. That way, you won’t miss important notifications about your coverage.
- Pay close attention to mail and electronic messages. State Medicaid or CHIP programs may mail a letter about your coverage, or may even communicate by email or text. These messages will also let you know if you need to complete a renewal form to see if you still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.
- Complete the renewal form (if received). It’s important to fill out the form and return it to the State Medicaid or CHIP programs right away to avoid a gap in your coverage.
Other important reminders:
- If you no longer qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, you may be able to get health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace®. Marketplace plans are:
- Affordable. Four out of 5 enrollees can find plans that cost less than $10 a month.
- Comprehensive. All plans cover things like prescription drugs, doctor visits, urgent care, hospital visits and more.
- Losing Medicaid or CHIP coverage is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), which allows you to enroll in a Marketplace plan outside of the Open Enrollment period.
- Go to HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 800.318.2596 (TTY: 855.889.4325) to get details about Marketplace coverage.
- If your child no longer qualifies for Medicaid, you may be able to get them health care coverage through your state’s Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
- For more information about Medicaid renewal or CHIP coverage, contact your state Medicaid office or visit Medicaid.gov.
Source: National Hemophilia Foundation, April 2023