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Missouri residents enrolled in Medicaid (MO HealthNet) or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) need to act fast to update their contact information, so they don’t risk losing health care coverage, say local public health officials.
Residents who currently have health coverage through Medicaid or CHIP should watch their mailboxes for renewal notices or requests for information to determine eligibility. Over the next 12 months, letters will be sent out in chronological order based on members' current renewal dates. For example, someone with a renewal date in June may receive a letter this spring, while someone with a renewal date in December may receive a letter closer to the end of the year. Residents must complete and submit these renewal notices to keep their health care coverage, if they are still eligible. “Everyone needs access to health and preventative care and expanded Medicaid coverage has made that possible for more residents and families,” Dr. Marvia Jones, director of the Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department said. “We want people now enrolled to safeguard their benefits by doing the required renewals and review process. Even if they remain eligible for coverage, they will lose it if they do not follow these procedures.” All enrollees are urged to make sure their current mailing address, phone number, email or other contact information is on file with their state’s clearinghouse, so they receive these renewal notices before their coverage lapses. While some enrollees will be familiar with this process, this will be a new experience for anyone who qualified for Medicaid or CHIP for the first time after January 2020, Jones said. During the national COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, the Medicaid program suspended eligibility reviews, allowing millions of vulnerable Americans to keep their Medicaid coverage during the pandemic. As eligibility reviews resume over the next 12 months, those who no longer meet eligibility requirements will lose their Medicaid coverage. If this happens, they may be eligible for affordable coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov. Jones says that states are mailing these renewal forms so it’s important for enrollees to check their mailbox, fill out the form and return it right way. This may help avoid a gap in coverage. Here’s how enrollees can update their contact information in Missouri: Missouri residents Missourians receiving health care coverage through MO HealthNet or any of the Managed Care health plans (Healthy Blue, Home State Health, or United Healthcare) need to prepare to submit their annual renewal before the end of their coverage year. If an individual has moved in the last three years, they should update their address with the Family Support Division online at https://formsportal.dss.mo.gov/content/forms/af/moa/my-dss/family-support-division/change-report.html. They may also call 855-373-4636 or visit a local resource center at https://dss.mo.gov/dss_map/ to update their contact information. Comments are closed.
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