There’s a lot of conversation surrounding this topic, and it goes by many names: the end of the Continuous Coverage Requirement, the unwinding period, the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE), Medicaid redeterminations, and more. But what does it all mean? If you or your loved ones are currently enrolled in Medicaid, here is everything you need to know about upcoming health insurance renewals.
What Does the End of the Public Health Emergency Mean for Nevadans on Medicaid?
Prior to 2020, Medicaid enrollees were required to reapply for eligibility every year. However, in March 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) temporarily waived certain Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) requirements and conditions in response to COVID-19. On March 31, 2023, a new law ended Medicaid continuous coverage and required states to restart eligibility renewals, meaning it’s more important than ever to be prepared in case you are at risk of losing coverage. Nevada began an “unwinding” period of Medicaid eligibility redeterminations in April 2023 and will continue through June 2024.
If your Nevada Medicaid coverage isn’t renewed due to being over-income or other factors, your account will be automatically transferred to Nevada Health Link. You will then enter a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and will be able to enroll in a plan on NevadaHealthLink.com.
Medicaid will reach out to these individuals to help them with next steps regarding their account. Did you lose Medicaid coverage for reasons other than being over-income? You may still be eligible for coverage through NevadaHealthLink.com!
What Should I Do Next?
1. Update your contact information – Make sure Medicaid has your current mailing address, phone number, email, or other contact information. This way, they’ll be able to contact you about your coverage status. You can fill out the Update My Address form online or call 1-800-992-0900 to change your contact information.
2. Stay in the loop – Visit the AccessNevada site or use the NV Medicaid App to receive new messages regarding your coverage. You can also sign up for Medicaid Member News directly from Nevada Medicaid here.
3. Check your mail and complete your renewal packet – The Department of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) will mail a redetermination letter about your Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage. This letter will also let you know if you need to complete a renewal form to still qualify. Fill it out and return it to DWSS as soon as possible to avoid a gap in coverage.
4. Browse plans through Nevada Health Link – If you’re no longer eligible for Medicaid benefits, consider exploring the affordable health plans available through Nevada Health Link. About 10% of consumers have $0 monthly premiums, and half have premiums under $100.
Over 160 Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) are available through Nevada Health Link (varies by country), across various private insurance carriers. These plans are comprehensive and each cover the 10 Essential Health Benefits which include doctors’ visits, prescriptions drugs, lab services, maternity care and more. Dental and individual vision plans are also offered— learn more about what’s covered here.
Visit nevadahealthlink.com or click here to send an email and get more details about our plans. Assistance is also just a call away at 1-800-547-2927.
