Losing Your Medicaid in California?

Roughly 3 million Californians will lose their Medicaid coverage when the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ends on May 11. Will you be affected?

If you’ve been enrolled in Medicaid for the last two years due to COVID, you will get a letter asking you to update your income, household size and address. If you are no longer eligible to receive Medicaid due to an increase in income, a decrease in dependents or a change of address, you will have 60 days to make new arrangements.

We’re here to help! Here are some of the things you can do to make sure you have the health insurance you and your family needs.

Why is Medicaid Ending for Some California Residents?

The federal government discontinued normal Medicaid procedures from 2020 through 2022 as a way to help those affected by the pandemic.

Now, federal and state governments are reinstating procedures to check the eligibility status of those who receive Medicaid and it is estimated that many Californians will no longer qualify. Those who no longer meet the requirements for Medicaid will automatically be enrolled in California’s healthcare marketplace.

Will I Lose My Medicaid?

If your income has increased or other factors about your household have changed in the last two years, you may not be eligible to receive Medicaid any longer. If you do still qualify, you will need to enroll again. This will not be automatically done for you.

You’ll receive a questionnaire from your state’s Medicaid administrator by mail, text or email asking questions about your current status, such as:

• Where you live: Have you relocated since you signed up?
• Your income: Has your income increased in the last two years or do you work for someone who offers workplace coverage?
• Your household size: Has the number of dependents changed?

After a notice is received, you’ll have 60 days to respond. Some states have already started the process of checking eligibility of the people who use Medicaid in their state, but due to how large the process is, it could be 9 months to one year before you receive your letter.

No Longer Qualify for Medicaid

If you no longer are eligible for California’s free or low-cost healthcare coverage and are dropped, you will be able to access greatly-reduced health insurance through a special enrollment period for the healthcare marketplace in California. You may qualify for a federal subsidy to help you pay for the chosen plan. If you fail to act and pick a plan, California will pick one for you. You have up to 60 days to pick a different plan or opt out altogether. Just remember that California has a tax penalty for those who do not have qualifying health insurance.

If I Lose My Medicaid, How Can I Get Insurance?

If you are dropped from Medicaid, we can help you find healthcare so you have no interruption of care and you are not assessed a tax penalty. California’s healthcare marketplace can be a confusing place to navigate, so call us at (800) 777-5620 so we can help you during this special enrollment period.

If you’ve found employment, you may be able to access medical benefits through your employer. Private or Workplace Coverage could be another great option for you in that case.

I Don’t Think I Make Enough Money to Afford Health Insurance… Now What?

If you still meet the income requirements for Medicaid, you will be able to continue receiving it.

However, several recent changes to legislation have made it very affordable to find coverage through your marketplace. You may even be able to find free – or greatly reduced – coverage since the recent American Rescue Plan enhanced financial subsidies.

Get Cheap Healthcare Quotes for You and Your Family in California  

At Cost-U-Less Insurance, we have compassionate and bilingual agents ready to help you find healthcare through this special enrollment period for those who lose their Medicaid coverage.

You can start a free quote for health insurance online, give us a call at (800) 390-4071 or visit us at one of our convenient locations.