Don’t risk a gap in your Medicaid or CHIP coverage.
Get ready to renew now.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Congress ruled that people receiving healthcare coverage under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) must receive continuous coverage – meaning you couldn’t be kicked off the program during the public health emergency.
The goal of the temporary action was to prevent people from losing healthcare coverage in the pandemic. But that’s about to change, due to a provision in the government spending bill approved at the end of the year and the official end of the public health emergency declared for May 11, 2023.
Now the “continuous coverage” term is ending, and states are now required to begin returning to standard enrollment and eligibility review for Medicaid and CHIP. States must begin “unwinding” the current temporary process by March 31. In Missouri, the process is starting now.
With the enrollment and reviews resuming, there is a possibility that people can lose their current coverage under Medicaid or CHIP. According to estimates from the Kaiser Family Foundation, a non-profit that analyzes health policies, up to 14 million people could lose their current Medicaid or CHIP coverage.
If you or a member of your family has health coverage through Medicaid or CHIP, you may need to take steps to find out if you can continue your coverage.
Here are steps you can take to prepare:
- Make sure your address is up to date. It is important that the state have your correct contact information so they will be able to contact you with information about your coverage. You can be proactive to make sure your information is on file.
To do this, call your managed care provider – Home State Health, Show Me Healthy Kids, Healthy Blue or United Healthcare:
- Home State Health: 855-694-4663
- Show Me Healthy Kids: 877-236-1020
- Healthy Blue: 833-388-1407
- UnitedHealthcare: 866-292-0359
If you’re not sure of your provider, you can call the state’s MO HealthNet Division directly at 573-751-3425. You can also reach MO HealthNet at https://mydss.mo.gov/renew.
- Check your mail. The state of Missouri will mail you a letter about your Medicaid or CHIP coverage. This letter will also let you know if you need to complete a renewal form to see if you still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.
- If you get a renewal form, fill it out and return it right away. This may help you avoid a gap in your coverage.
- What if you don’t qualify for Medicaid or CHIP? If you or a family member no longer qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, you may be able to buy a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace®.
Swope Health can help you explore your options in the marketplace. We offer free assistance, with trained experts who can help you navigate the programs and sign up. Call 816-599-5590 to talk with a navigator or schedule an appointment.
The Health Insurance Marketplace plans are affordable and comprehensive. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, four out of five enrollees find plans that cost less than $10 a month. Most plans cover things like prescription drugs, doctor visits, urgent care, hospital visits, and more.
You can visit HealthCare.gov to find Marketplace plans and see if you might save on premiums. When you apply, don’t forget to include current information about your household, income, and your state’s recent decision about your Medicaid or CHIP coverage. To get more information:
- Contact your state Medicaid office 573-751-3425
- Visit Medicaid.gov for more information about Medicaid or CHIP renewal.
- Call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 to get details about Marketplace coverage. TTY users can call 1-855-889-4325.
- Or contact Swope Health: 816-599-5590.
