How to Improve Medicaid Reenrollment Processes

As the number of people kicked off the Medicaid rolls passes 7.5 million, we must take advantage of every available tool to minimize the fallout and help those who've lost coverage. Lucky for us, CMS has published a series of strategies for minimizing terminations due to procedural reasons. You can find them here: https://lnkd.in/gXUThKhV Consider this: Federal officials just ordered states to reinstate coverage for some 500,000 people — including many children — after a recent review found errors in the processes for evaluating eligibility. This is likely just the tip of the iceberg. Administrative barriers — like not receiving renewal forms or being unable to complete the necessary paperwork — has caused nearly three-quarters of all coverage loss. That's why the strategies outlined by CMS are essential. The agency divides the options into three categories: 1) Tap multiple data sources to determine eligibility 2) Support people as they fill out and submit their renewal forms 3) Help reinstate coverage for eligible people who were disenrolled for procedural reasons While all are important, I want to focus on the second category. That's where health plans have an opportunity to make a real difference. CMS recommends states partner with managed care plans to help people complete the renewal process. To streamline that process, the agency supports delaying procedural terminations for a month to allow "targeted renewal outreach" and leveraging phone, text, and emails to reach members. That's smart advice. But managed care plans will find the most success only when they tailor engagement to the people they serve. Respecting their histories, cultures, and needs — and meeting them where they are — will help people make it through the renewal process. There's no time to waste. #HealthEquity #Medicaid #HealthPlans #MedicaidUnwinding

Yesterday marked one year since the start of the Medicaid unwinding. Over 19 million people have lost vital health coverage they need to live healthy lives, care for their families and pursue their goals. States can do more to help people more easily re-enroll: 💡 Auto-renew, don’t auto-exclude: When eligible people are automatically re-enrolled, it reduces administrative burdens on enrollees and Medicaid staff. 💡 Keep kids covered: Keeping kids continuously enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP ensures consistent access to care, even when a family's financial situation may change. 💡Get online: Some states don’t let people renew online or over the phone - a simple change that can make the renewal process more accessible. 💡Clear communication: Confusing paperwork makes enrolling harder - states should provide plainly written, consistent documents available in many languages. 💡Provide more personalized support: States can increase staffing at call centers, connect with community organizations and work with partners to help monitor enrollment.

Navigating #Medicaid #redetermination can be challenging for many members, leading to potential coverage gaps and greater health disparities. Wider Circle's Connect for Life program addresses these challenges by fostering trust and simplifying the recertification process. In my latest blog post, I discuss a key innovation, our Text to Renew program, which guides members through eligibility requirements via secure text messaging, allowing them to complete applications, upload documents, and provide digital signatures directly from their phones. This approach eliminates barriers such as complex paperwork and accessibility issues, ensuring that vulnerable populations maintain their essential healthcare coverage. By leveraging technology and community-based engagement, Wider Circle empowers Medicaid plans to efficiently support their members through the redetermination process. #payers #bcbs #healthinsurance #SDoH https://lnkd.in/eh8uY2wy