Medicaid renewals to resume and the impact on Medicare beneficiaries
At the beginning of the pandemic, Medicaid agencies paused eligibility reviews so those with benefits could keep them. Soon all states will return to their Medicaid eligibility reviews. This review process is also called Medicaid “renewal,” “redetermination” or “recertification.”
Detailed communications will soon follow with ways we are assisting our members as well as what you can do to help.
When will eligibility reviews resume? It will vary by state. Some states began to initiate the renewal process in February with Medicaid disenrollments to be effective as early as April 1st. Each state has developed their own plan for when they will resume renewal activities.
What’s the impact for clients? Medicaid recipients who do not return their renewal paperwork or do not requalify for Medicaid will be disenrolled from Medicaid. Aetna D-SNP members who lose their Medicaid coverage will be placed in a 6-month grace period. D-SNP members who do not regain their Medicaid coverage will need your help to obtain new Medicare coverage.
Communication and outreach Aetna has an aggressive plan in place to assist dual members to complete and return their renewal paperwork. Should a client receive their Medicaid renewal packet and need assistance, our member advocates are here to help. Any members needing assistance should call the number on the back of their insurance card to engage their advocate.
How you can help In the meantime, remind your D-SNP clients to update their contact information with their state Medicaid agency. This will ensure they’ll receive their Medicaid renewal packet.
Details to follow Detailed communications will soon follow with ways we are assisting our members as well as what you can do to help. We will be supplying you with FAQs, state-specific renewal information, talking points and more.
