Nebraskan's at Risk of Losing Medicaid Coverage: What You Need to Know

The potential loss of Nebraska Medicaid coverage is a pressing concern for thousands of Nebraskan's as the federal COVID-related public health emergency and pandemic-era protections come to an end. This could result in up to 80,000 individuals losing their Medicaid coverage.

However, state officials and community health advocates are working diligently to ensure eligible individuals do not lose their coverage. It is essential to understand the background of the unwinding of Medicaid and what steps you can take to protect your eligibility for Nebraska Medicaid coverage.

In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the current situation and provide you with the resources to help you navigate the potential changes to your Medicaid coverage.

The End of COVID-19 Emergency: Implications for Nebraskan's

To give you some background, during the public health emergency, Congress mandated that states keep everyone who enrolled in Medicaid on or after March 18, 2020, on the program. However, President Joe Biden recently announced the end of the COVID-19 emergency as of May 11, which set off a national "unwind" process. This process requires states to start reviewing Medicaid recipients again, as they did pre-pandemic. Over the next 12 months, states will have to contact every person on their Medicaid rolls and verify their eligibility.

An Overview of the Review Process

Here's what you need to know: Nebraska will start reviewing Medicaid recipients on March 1, and over the next 12 months, all 390,642 people on the program will be reviewed. State workers will be conducting more eligibility checks in a year than they have ever done before. If you're on Nebraska Medicaid, you'll need to be prepared for a review of your eligibility. You can check your renewal month by logging into your ACCESSNebraska account or calling toll-free 855-632-7633.

Responding to the Review: Tips for Nebraska Medicaid Recipients

If you receive an official letter from the state about your review, please make sure to respond promptly and update your contact information if necessary. You can also reach out to enrollment specialists at community health centers for help with the verification process.

Remember, the state will have to try three different ways to reach you before ending your coverage for not responding. And even if coverage is terminated, most people can get back on Nebraska Medicaid without a gap if they provide the necessary eligibility information within 90 days.

Alternatives to Medicaid: Finding Affordable Health Insurance in Nebraska

Losing Nebraska Medicaid coverage can be a daunting experience, but there are other options available. If you lose your Medicaid coverage, you may qualify for a "special enrollment period" to acquire health insurance in Nebraska through the federal marketplace. Depending on your income level and other factors, you may also be eligible for premium tax credits that can lower your monthly premium costs.

At Health and Life Insurance Pros, we can help you navigate the marketplace in Nebraska and find a plan that fits your budget and coverage needs. Our team provides personalized service to each of our clients, and we're here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today at (402) 204-8248 to discuss your options and get the coverage you need.

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