ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — More than a million people across America have been dropped from Medicaid in recent months as some states, including Florida, have swiftly moved to halt healthcare coverage following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Florida has dropped several hundred thousand people, by far the most among states, according to data obtained by The Associated Press. But the Sunshine State isn't the only one with a high drop rate. You can see other states' stats here.
Many of the people who were dropped were due to them not filling out paperwork. But the swiftness at which these states have dropped people has some federal officials worried that eligible people will lose coverage unnecessarily.
More than 93 million people nationwide were enrolled in Medicaid as of the most recent available data in February — up nearly one-third from the pre-pandemic total in January 2020. The rolls swelled because federal law prohibited states from removing people from Medicaid during the health emergency in exchange for providing states with increased funding.
Before dropping people from Medicaid, the Florida Department of Children and Families said it makes between five and 13 contact attempts, including texts, emails and phone calls. Yet the department said 152,600 people have been non-responsive.
Their coverage could be restored retroactively if people submit information showing their eligibility up to 90 days after their deadline. You can find more information by clicking here.
But what can you do if you lose coverage because you're no longer eligible?
All states have insurance markets where people who lose Medicaid can buy new coverage with help from subsidies, The AP said.
State-based health insurance marketplaces created by the Affordable Care Act are the only places where people can buy individual insurance with help from an income-based subsidy. They can be found through the federal government’s healthcare.gov website.
People also can find coverage sold outside these marketplaces, but it may be risky. For instance, short-term plans can exclude coverage of certain things like a medical condition someone had before signing up.
According to HealthCare.gov, from now until July 31, 2024, you can apply for a Marketplace plan any time after your Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage.
Once you submit your application, you'll have 60 days to enroll in a plan. Once you do, that plan's coverage will start at the beginning of the next month after your enrollment is complete.
For more information and resources on how to get healthcare coverage, click here.