How to renew Medicaid as coverage cliff approaches

• Between five and 14 million people across the nation could lose Medicaid coverage in the coming year, the Kaiser Family Foundation estimates.

What's happening

Beginning April 1, five states — Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, New Hampshire and South Dakota — will terminate coverage for Americans who no longer qualify or have not proven they still qualify.

• The unwinding process could take 12 to 14 months in each state, per a Department of Health and Human Services analysis.
• Other states will begin removing Americans from coverage between May and July.
• Children, young adults and Latino and Black individuals are expected to lose coverage disproportionately, per the DHS.

Flashback: Before the public health emergency, individuals could be removed from the program annually if they did not report a change in family status or if their income was too high, among other changes.

• States have been required to develop operational plans for operating after the continuous enrollment provision ends.

How to renew Medicaid coverage

• To renew Medicaid coverage, ensure that your state has your current mailing address, phone number, email or other contact information.
• Some states have created online platforms to allow people to renew Medicaid coverage through an online account. Thirteen states have created online change of address forms, per KFF.
• Also, check your mail frequently.
• "Your state will mail you a letter about your coverage. This letter will let you know if you need to complete a renewal form to see if you still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP," per Medicaid.

• If you receive a Medicaid renewal form, fill out the form and return it to your state quickly to avoid a gap in coverage.

If Medicaid coverage expires, "you may be able to buy a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, and get help paying for it," per the program's website.

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