Due to action by Congress, Governor Andy Beshear reminded Kentuckians Thursday, the federal pandemic benefit that made it easier for low-income families to sign up for free health care is changing.
Starting this year, Medicaid enrollees must once again participate in an annual renewal to determine if they are eligible for Medicaid.
Kentucky will initiate annual renewal notices beginning in April 2023 for those with a renewal date of May 31, 2023. Renewals will continue throughout the year and will vary depending on an individual’s date of enrollment in the program.
The Governor first provided this information to Kentuckians on February 2, 2023, as part of his standing Team Kentucky update media briefing. The Governor stated, “The 260,000 Kentuckians who were able to sign up for Medicaid during the pandemic will need to transition to one of three health care options: regular Medicaid, Medicare or kynect.”
When the public health emergency was declared in January 2020 at the onset of the pandemic, certain Medicaid and Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program requirements were eased, including the need to determine program eligibility every 12 months. The sign-up process was also made faster and easier to help people, some of whom were newly unemployed, get assistance more quickly.
Kentuckians who may be affected by the change in federal law include those who have attained employment or new employment at a higher wage, are eligible for another type of Medicaid coverage, or are aging into Medicare.
Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander said, “Our goal is for people to be aware that their coverage is going to change; what steps to take to make sure they continue to have coverage; where to get help, if help is needed; and when to take action.”
The Governor’s administration is planning outreach efforts to enrollees in multiple ways. The Department for Medicaid Services is also partnering with Medicaid-managed care plans, community health centers, and other providers and advocacy organizations that serve Medicaid members. Medicaid is also collaborating with the state-based marketplace to help people get signed up for coverage.
A new website for all things related to these renewals, as well as new eligibility determinations and other information about Medicaid, is now live. Visit MedicaidUnwinding.ky.gov for more information.
According to the new federal law, all Medicaid renewals as well as eligibility determinations must be initiated by March 31, 2024, and completed by May 31, 2024. Members will receive a notice about 60 days before their renewal date. If their information is correct in kynect, the enrollee will not need to take any action until contacted by the Department for Medicaid Services about renewal.
Source: WBKO
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