What is the federal public health emergency (PHE) and how does it affect Medicaid members?
The federal government declared a public health emergency when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Since then, state agencies have continued health care coverage for all medical assistance programs, even for people who are no longer eligible.
When will normal Medicaid processes begin again?
States will have 12 months to make sure Medicaid members are still eligible for coverage even though the Public Health Emergency officially ends on April 1, 2023. However, they will not cancel or reduce coverage for Medicaid members without asking them for updated information. Denials and closures will begin on April 30, 2023, and everyone will be reviewed by March 2024. After March 2024, it will be business as usual moving forward.
All renewal Notices of Action will be mailed out this March of 2023 and you will have 30 days to respond once received. You may have a 90-day grace period to respond if you miss the initial deadline for response. However, you will need to reach out to your caseworker to specifically request an extension if you need more time to respond.
What can you do now?
You can:
What if you lost coverage during the PHE?
Anyone who lost coverage during the PHE due to administrative reasons needs to complete and submit the renewal paperwork that is requested. The Department of Social Services will process the renewal applications within 30 days and members can call 1-855-242-8282 with any questions.
If you would like additional information, please visit coverva.org or facebook.com/coverva/. You can also call Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282 for assistance.
The federal government declared a public health emergency when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Since then, state agencies have continued health care coverage for all medical assistance programs, even for people who are no longer eligible.
When will normal Medicaid processes begin again?
States will have 12 months to make sure Medicaid members are still eligible for coverage even though the Public Health Emergency officially ends on April 1, 2023. However, they will not cancel or reduce coverage for Medicaid members without asking them for updated information. Denials and closures will begin on April 30, 2023, and everyone will be reviewed by March 2024. After March 2024, it will be business as usual moving forward.
All renewal Notices of Action will be mailed out this March of 2023 and you will have 30 days to respond once received. You may have a 90-day grace period to respond if you miss the initial deadline for response. However, you will need to reach out to your caseworker to specifically request an extension if you need more time to respond.
What can you do now?
You can:
- Update your contact information online at commonhelp.virginia.gov or by calling Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282. They must have current contact information on file, such as a mailing address and phone number(s), so that you receive important notices and so that the Department of Social Services can reach out if they need more information.
- Watch your mail and respond quickly to notices about coverage!
- Sign up for email and text updates, follow them on social media and visit them at coverva.org and facebook.com/coverva/.
What if you lost coverage during the PHE?
Anyone who lost coverage during the PHE due to administrative reasons needs to complete and submit the renewal paperwork that is requested. The Department of Social Services will process the renewal applications within 30 days and members can call 1-855-242-8282 with any questions.
If you would like additional information, please visit coverva.org or facebook.com/coverva/. You can also call Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282 for assistance.
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