If you and your family are some of the hundreds of thousands of Arizonans who may be losing Medicaid, you undoubtedly have a lot of questions and concerns. This comprehensive guide will help you understand why this happens and what steps you can take to ensure you and your family continue to have access to health care.
What is Medicaid in Arizona?
Arizona’s Medicaid program, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), provides comprehensive, quality healthcare services to Arizona residents with specific income and eligibility requirements. Its mission is to ensure that every Arizonan can access cost-effective health care.
Who Qualifies for AHCCCS?
The AHCCCS program covers a range of individuals, including low-income adults, families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities. The program also covers children as part of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or KidsCare.
How Does AHCCCS Work?
AHCCCS provides eligible individuals access to a broad range of medical services. These include hospital services, doctor visits, mental health services, preventive care, and more. In other words, Arizona’s Medicaid program acts as a safety net for those who might otherwise struggle to afford healthcare.
Losing Medicaid Coverage: What You Need to Know
Now that you know a little more about AHCCCS, you understand why losing Medicaid is such a daunting and overwhelming prospect for individuals and families in Arizona. Now, let’s discuss why you might lose your coverage.
Why Might You Lose AHCCCS Coverage?
There are several reasons you might lose your AHCCCS coverage. One key reason is a change in your income or household circumstances that makes you and your family members ineligible under the program’s guidelines.
Additionally, clerical errors, failure to complete the renewal process, and not providing updated contact information can lead to losing Medicaid coverage.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted AHCCCS and Medicaid programs nationwide. During the public health emergency, states were required to provide continuous coverage, leading to a significant increase in Medicaid enrollment. However, when the federal government declared the end of the public health emergency earlier this year, states – including Arizona – could again perform eligibility checks, leading to the termination of coverage for some enrollees.
AHCCCS Post-COVID: The Unwinding Period
The post-COVID unwinding period is when states can resume regular Medicaid operations, including determining eligibility. This period can lead to a significant number of people losing Medicaid coverage. In fact, NPR reports that as many as 600,000 Arizonans may find themselves without this essential coverage by the end of 2023.
What to Do If You Lose AHCCCS Coverage
You may feel understandably overwhelmed if you receive an official letter from AHCCCS that your coverage is terminating. The good news is that there are steps you can take to ensure your family’s healthcare needs are satisfied.
Don’t Panic
After receiving notice that you are losing Medicaid, the first thing to do is not to panic. Yes, losing this coverage can be daunting, but don’t let the fear of having no safety net for health insurance paralyze you. The key is to stay calm, gather information about your situation, and explore the various pathways to new coverage.
Check Your Eligibility
Before anything else, confirm your AHCCCS eligibility. If you still meet the requirements, or if your circumstances have changed since the determination of eligibility was sent to you (such as a loss of job or a new member of the family), you may reapply for coverage.
On the other hand, if you feel that your loss of coverage is due to a clerical error, you can appeal the decision with the state.
Explore Other Health Coverage Options
If you are no longer eligible for AHCCCS, several other health coverage options may be available. For instance, explore these avenues:
Employer-Sponsored Plan: If you or your spouse’s employer offers a health plan, you can likely enroll in that plan. But you must act quickly, as you typically have a 60-day special enrollment period after your AHCCCS coverage ends.
Marketplace/Exchange Plan: If an employer’s plan is unavailable or is not affordable for your budget, you can enroll in an Obamacare plan through healthcare.gov under a special enrollment period. Many Arizonans losing Medicaid find that they qualify for income-based subsidies, making these plans more affordable.
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Medicare: If you’re eligible for Medicare due to age or disability, you can transition to this coverage. Be sure to check the specific requirements and enrollment periods for Medicare.
Other Plan Options: There are also other specialty plans like short-term insurance or alternative and limited-benefit plans that you may consider.
Get Help
You may feel like you are on your own after losing Medicaid, but rest assured – that is not the case! Independent health insurance brokers right in your hometown can help guide you through the process of exploring your options and applying for new coverage. These individuals will not charge you a penny for their services, and their expertise in navigating health insurance coverage will give you the confidence that you are getting the right plan for your family and budget.
Losing Medicaid Doesn’t Mean You Are Alone – Let Arizona Health Insurance Experts Help!
Losing Medicaid coverage can be a stressful experience, but remember, you have options and do not have to face this change in coverage alone.
Arizona Health Insurance Experts is committed to helping Arizonans like you navigate their health insurance options.
Our database of independent health insurance brokers is easy to use. You can quickly find a broker in your community who specializes in helping their neighbors find affordable and comprehensive coverage.
Remember, losing Medicaid doesn’t mean losing access to healthcare. With the right information and resources, you can navigate this transition smoothly and ensure you and your loved ones stay covered.
