From DHW Director Dave Jeppesen: Medicaid Protection is ending soon  

February 24, 2023
DHW Director Dave Jeppesen

The Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) has begun the re-evaluation process for Medicaid coverage.  

The department issued around 30,000 notices on Feb. 1 to Idahoans who may no longer be eligible but have remained enrolled in Medicaid because of Medicaid Protection. That allowed people to stay on Medicaid during the pandemic, unless they died, moved out of state, or asked to be disenrolled. Around 150,000 Idahoans are on Medicaid Protection with an unknown status.  

States were allowed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to start re-evaluations for people on Medicaid Protection on Feb. 1. States are not allowed to terminate coverage after the re-evaluation until April 1. 

DHW will send around 30,000 new re-evaluation notices each month through July. Participants will have 60 days to respond. They will receive three notices and a text message during that 60-day period.  

Medicaid Re-evaluation Timeline 

 

Those who are determined to be over-income will be transitioned to Your Health Idaho, the state-based marketplace where they can compare and shop for health insurance.  

It’s important to me to make sure people have health insurance and that they don’t lose appropriate coverage because they failed to respond to one of our notices. It’s also important to me that people who are not eligible for Medicaid understand that there are budget-friendly options at Your Health Idaho. Even if you don’t qualify for Medicaid, you may qualify for a tax credit that will help pay for health insurance coverage.  

But you must respond to the notices.  

If you receive Medicaid, please take action to make sure you receive notices about your benefits and re-evaluations. Report any changes in your household information, including your phone number and address. 

If your contact information has changed, or you want to confirm your current information, call DHW at 877-456-1233 or email MyBenefits@dhw.idaho.gov. You can also report changes by visiting idalink.idaho.gov 

Learn more about Medicaid Protection. 

I hope you have a safe and healthy weekend. 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.  

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