If You’re Losing Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Coverage Due to The End of the COVID Public Health Emergency…This Is For You!
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing a special enrollment period (SEP) on the Affordable Care Act marketplace for individuals who are losing their Medicaid or CHIP coverage due to the end of the continuous enrollment condition.
During this process, known as “unwinding,” millions of individuals are losing their Medicaid or CHIP coverage and need to transition to other forms of coverage, including through the Marketplaces. Due to the volume of individuals expected to lose their Medicaid or CHIP coverage, state Medicaid and CHIP agencies may be unable to provide timely information about the termination of coverage and plan options that would enable consumers to make an informed decision about their coverage options within 60 days. For example, a consumer may need clarity as to whether a loss of Medicaid or CHIP coverage was procedural or due to ineligibility before deciding whether to pursue Marketplace coverage. Additionally, many Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries may have moved or changed addresses since last receiving communications from their state. As a result, they may not receive termination notices from their state Medicaid or CHIP agency within 60 days or at all. Given these exceptional circumstances CMS has made this SEP, also referred to as the “Unwinding SEP,” available so consumers can maintain coverage.
What Does This Mean For You?
The special enrollment period will stretch from March 31, 2023 to July 31, 2024. In order to be eligible for the special enrollment period, you must be eligible for Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage and must have lost your Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or Basic Health Program (BHP) coverage.
Once you apply for Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage, you have a 60-day window to pick a plan. You can enroll before your Medicaid or CHIP healthcare coverage ends. After you select a plan, coverage will begin the first day of the next month.
Still Confused? We Can Help!
Let a Savers Health licensed representative review your circumstances and help you determine if you are eligible to enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan during this “Unwinding” SEP. Even if you are not, and need health coverage, we can help you find an affordable option to help meet your needs!
