March 28, 2023. Starting April 1, 2023, North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will begin the recertification process for those on Medicaid. Since March 2020, most people have been unable to lose or experience reduction in Medicaid coverage due to a provision in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. However, starting in April, those on Medicaid will need to demonstrate current eligibility to continue receiving coverage.
How long will the recertification process take?
Recertifications will be completed over the next 12 months and will work two months ahead. Meaning, if your coverage is set to renew in July, your information will start being reviewed in May.
How do I know if I’m still eligible for Medicaid?
Generally, Medicaid is available to those who are disabled, age 65+, pregnant, low-income, in need of long-term care, or under the age of 21. For full details on eligibility, CLICK HERE.
What can I do to make sure I don’t lose coverage?
The most important thing to do is make sure that your contact information is correct, including mailing address, phone number, and email. This information can be updated online by opening an enhanced ePASS account at epass.nc.gov or at your local DSS.
You will be notified by mail, email, and other forms of communication during the recertification period. It is important that you respond to these requests promptly to demonstrate eligibility, so that you do not lose coverage. You may be expected to verify your income, household size, age, and other demographics.
What happens if I lose Medicaid coverage?
If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, there are healthcare coverage options at a reduced cost through HealthCare.gov. HealthCare.gov is offering an extended enrollment opportunity, from March 31, 2023 through July 31, 2024, for anyone who loses Medicaid at any time during that window.
How does this relate to the expected Medicaid expansion?
You may have heard in the news recently that Medicaid expansion is coming to North Carolina, which will expand eligibility for more North Carolinians. This is an exciting change for Medicaid in North Carolina and has the potential to increase the number of North Carolinians who are eligible for Medicaid. However, these changes are not expected to be in place until 2024 and will not change the impact of the recertification process that is about to take place. CLICK HERE to learn more about the upcoming Medicaid expansion.
SOURCE: NCDHHS
