Medicaid Unwinding in Utah – What does it mean?
Medicaid unwinding backstory
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a public health emergency and implemented many policies and procedures regarding our nation’s healthcare. One required Medicaid agencies–the government-funded program that provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families–to continue coverage for members even if their eligibility changed. This emergency policy protected against people losing their healthcare during the challenging days of the pandemic.
But the Medicaid program was never set up for people to stay on indefinitely. And now that the emergency has ended, the government has begun an unwinding period of those temporary pandemic safety nets.
The public health emergency will officially end on May 11, 2023, and the Covid-19 Uninsured Coverage Medicaid program will also end. The Department of Workforce Services will spend twelve months reviewing Medicaid cases and determining current eligibility.
For example, the unwinding of Medicaid eligibility in Utah means that the income threshold for eligibility will be lowered. This change will affect people who earn more than 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) but less than 138% of the FPL. This group will no longer be eligible for Medicaid and will need to find alternative healthcare coverage.
What to do if you’re losing Medicaid coverage
And if you’re one of the thousands of Utahns affected by this change, you probably have many questions and even more worries. Keep reading. We’ve got your back.
The silver lining to this change is that losing your health coverage is a qualifying life event that allows you a unique open enrollment window for the insurance marketplace. And while this is good news, at OHP, we still understand that finding alternative healthcare coverage can be a daunting task. There’s a lot to understand about how to qualify and the types of coverage combined with your personal healthcare needs.
That’s precisely why we’re here–so you aren’t left to make this crucial transition on your own. OHP can help you explore your healthcare options, answer any questions, and find a solution that fits your needs and income.
The unwinding of Medicaid eligibility in Utah will significantly impact the people who rely on the program for their healthcare needs. It’s going to be a hard transition for many. But if you let us lend a hand, we at OHP promise to make a challenging task as smooth and straightforward as possible. It’s our job, and we love it.
