During the COVID-19 pandemic, states could not take away Medicaid coverage from any residents enrolled in this program. In recent months, this has changed due to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 and the end of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration.

Because the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency lasted several years, some Medicaid enrollees have not undergone eligibility review since prior to 2020. Others, who may have joined Medicaid during the pandemic, have never been through the renewal process. If you are on Medicaid, be sure to take some time to understand whether your coverage may be at risk.

New York State Public Health Emergency Unwind

As New York State resumes their Medicaid redetermination process (also referred to as the “unwind”), they can now disenroll individuals who no longer meet Medicaid’s eligibility requirements. In early spring, New York State began sending renewal notices to enrollees in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Essential Plan. These renewal notices include the deadline by which the enrollee needs to take action to renew their insurance or risk having a gap in coverage. Deadlines are based on the enrollees’ enrollment end dates, ranging from June 30, 2023 through May 31, 2024.

This process will continue each month until every renewal cycle of enrollees, referred to as a cohort, has had their eligibility redetermined. Individuals can check their coverage end dates through the New York State of Health portal and see when it’s their turn to renew. They can also visit the New York State Medicaid Stay Connected webpage for up to date information on the unwind process.

Medicaid Renewal: Be Proactive

You may not yet have received any kind of notification regarding whether you remain eligible for Medicaid. However, there are steps you can take to help ensure that New York State has the information it needs to evaluate your eligibility and to renew your coverage promptly.

• If you have moved or changed your phone number or email address, reach out to New York State of Health, or your county’s Medicaid office, or local Department of Social Services to update your contact information.
• Each state will send out a letter to your mailing address regarding your coverage. Be sure to keep an eye out for this communication in your mailbox.
• You may be asked to fill out a Medicaid renewal form. If so, complete the form and return it as soon as possible.

If you do not renew insurance for yourself and/or family members by the deadline given, you are at risk of losing your health insurance.

Consider Consulting an Elder Law Attorney

If you are concerned about the effect of the redetermination process on your Medicaid benefits, consider speaking with the qualified attorneys at Kommer Bave & Ciccone LLP. Our elder law attorneys can help you understand whether you will continue to qualify for Medicaid.

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