In a letter to governors from Secretary Xavier Becerra of the Department of Health and Human Services, Becerra urges states to review their state’s unwinding plans. As states begin their return to normal Medicaid operations and require completion of Medicaid eligibility paperwork (unwinding) for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, more than a million Americans have seen their Medicaid coverage terminated. While the details and differences among states are major drivers of this massive loss of coverage, Secretary Becerra urges states to review all their procedures and consider ways in which processes can be optimized or additional federal flexibilities can be sought to limit coverage loss. Medicaid unwinding began in March 2023, and is anticipated to conclude by July of 2024. Over the upcoming year, projections indicate upwards of 15 million people could lose access to health care with children, older adults, and individuals with physical disabilities at the highest risk. Review the letter from Secretary Becerra. Talk to your staff and residents early and often about the need to heed information received via mail, text, or phone call from your state Medicaid agency about eligibility renewals. If individuals miss their window to return their eligibility paperwork, urge them to complete and return it as quickly as possible or complete a new Medicaid application. If you’re not sure how to begin the conversation or what is at risk, consider reviewing the CMS communications toolkit for assistance with starting the conversation, materials translated into other languages, or collateral for posting around your community. If you have questions, consider reviewing your state’s Medicaid unwinding plan, or reach out to Kylee Childs (kylee@leadingagekansas.org).
