Delinking Continuous Medicaid Coverage from the Public Health Emergency
The 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (Omnibus Bill), signed into law Dec. 29, 2022, included an important change to the Medicaid program. In this bill, Medicaid programs will no longer be required to provide continuous coverage for ineligible beneficiaries starting April 1, 2023. (the COVID-19 PHE will end May 11, 2023.)
NC Medicaid will begin the recertification (renewal) process April 1, 2023, for beneficiaries with renewal dates in June 2023 and continue for the next 12 months as the beneficiary is up for renewal. Recertification (renewal) could result in a beneficiary’s termination or reduction of benefits if the beneficiary no longer qualifies.
After several years of continuous Medicaid coverage during the PHE, the renewal (redetermination) process may be unfamiliar to many beneficiaries. Beneficiaries can take important steps to make sure their local Department of Social Services has the information they need to determine eligibility:
Update contact information
- Beneficiaries should make sure their local DSS has their current mailing address, phone number, email or other contact information.
- They can create an enhanced ePASS account, and update their address and other information for Medicaid online without having to call or visit their local DSS.
Check their mail
Local DSS will mail beneficiaries a letter if they need to complete a renewal form to see if they still qualify for Medicaid.
Complete the renewal form (if they get one)
If a beneficiary receives a renewal form, they should fill out the form and return it to their local DSS right away to help avoid a gap in their Medicaid coverage
For more information contact your local Health & Human Services (Social Services agency) at 828-452-6620.