Virginia Medicaid is in the process of reviewing its two million enrollees to determine their eligibility moving forward. While the process is slated to go through May 2024, 140,000 Virginians have already been disenrolled. The move is a return to regular eligibility after continuous enrollment was instated during the COVID-19 pandemic’s formal public health emergency.
To determine whether you, or someone you know, is still covered by Medicaid, you can call Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282 or your local Department of Social Services. Medicaid coverage status will fall into three categories: renewed, pending redetermination, or closed. If you have been renewed, there is nothing further for you to do. However, if your status is pending, there are three steps you can take to renew:
1. Renew by mail
Complete the renewal packet you received in the mail and either mail back or return to your local Department of Social Services.
2. Renew online
Go to commonhelp.virginia.gov and select “Renew my benefits”.
3. Renew over the phone
You can complete renewal by calling Cover Virginia at 1-888-221-1590.
Every packet sent to Medicaid recipients included a coverage end date if not renewed, but there is a 90-day grace period after coverage has ended for the recipient to renew if eligible. And if a recipient is found to be ineligible, there is a process for appealing that decision within 30 days or the option to re-apply for coverage.
Additional health insurance options and reasons for unwinding
If it is found that you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, Virginians older than 65 and some with disabilities may qualify for care through Medicare. Many of those who are removed from Medicaid are done so due to a lapse in submitting a renewal. Additional reasoning includes moving out of state, insurance coverage through a new job, earning more than 138% of the federal poverty level, or death.
The elder law team at ThompsonMcMullan can assist you in determining your eligibility, discuss your options, and provide guidance in navigating the system – contact us to learn more.
