Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health insurance coverage to low-income individuals and families. While Medicaid is a critical safety net for many people, it’s not a permanent solution, and there may come a time when your coverage ends. Most people will lose Medicaid coverage because they experience a change in income, a change in residency or they simply age out of the program. However, due to end of the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement provided by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), there will be millions losing their Medicaid coverage soon.
When Will Pandemic Medicaid End
Starting April 1, 2023, states can resume Medicaid disenrollments that were suspended due to the pandemic. It is estimated that 5.3 million to 14.2 million people will lose Medicaid coverage in the 12-month unwinding period. Whether you are one of these families losing your coverage due to the discontinuation of pandemic Medicaid, experiencing a change in income, changing your residency, or simply aging out of the program, it’s important to know your options for obtaining new health insurance coverage. In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the most common options for getting health insurance when your Medicaid coverage ends.
Check for Eligibility for Medicare
If you’re over 65 or have a disability, you may be eligible for Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people of a certain age or with certain disabilities. Medicare is available to all U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have worked and paid into the Medicare system for at least 10 years. To see if you’re eligible for Medicare, you can visit the Social Security website or call your local Social Security office for more information. If you do qualify for Medicare, we are happy to help you through the process of applying for Part A and Part B, and selecting additional plans to round out your coverage such as Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage plans, or Medicare prescription drug plans.
Consider Coverage Through an Employer
If you’re employed, you may be able to get health insurance coverage through your employer. Many employers offer health insurance as a benefit to their employees, and this may be a good option if you don’t qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. To find out if your employer offers health insurance, you can speak to your human resources representative or check your employee benefits handbook.
Explore the Health Insurance Marketplace
The Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as the health insurance exchange, is a website where you can compare and enroll in health insurance plans. The Marketplace was created as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and it’s designed to help people find affordable health insurance coverage. If you don’t have access to employer-sponsored insurance and don’t qualify for Medicare, the Marketplace may be a good option for you.
You can look at your marketplace options here. You can also call our office to provide information about your age, income, household size, and other factors, and quotes can be provided for you via phone or email. Based on your household information, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help lower the cost of your insurance. The Marketplace is open for enrollment each year from November 1 to December 15, and you can enroll in a plan outside of this window if you experience a qualifying life event, such as losing your Medicaid coverage.
Look for Coverage Through a Private Insurance Company
In addition to the options mentioned above, you may be able to find health insurance coverage through a private insurance company. Private insurance companies offer a range of health insurance plans, including individual and family plans, short-term plans, and catastrophic plans. We have access to several private health insurance companies for all budgets. Please call our office or contact us here for more information.
When shopping for private insurance, it’s important to consider factors such as the cost of premiums, the cost of deductibles and copayments, and the networks of doctors and hospitals that are included in the plan. You’ll also want to make sure that the plan covers the medical services you need, such as prescription drugs, mental health services, and preventive care.
Conclusion
Losing your Medicaid coverage can be stressful, but there are several options available to help you find new health insurance coverage. Whether you’re eligible for Medicare, have access to employer-sponsored insurance, or need to find coverage through the Marketplace or a private insurance company, there are options available to help you get the coverage you need when you are facing Medicaid disenrollment. It’s important to take the time to understand your options, compare plans, and find a plan that meets your needs. If you need assistance navigating through the process, feel free to contact us for no-cost guidance. We look forward to serving you!