Opinion: Don’t lose your health coverage in 2023
Credit: National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Editor’s note: When I worked at NUVO, I published a piece titled, “You too can navigate a safe passage to healthcare” during a time when the Trump administration was trying to discourage Americans from signing up for healthcare under the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare). While writing the piece, I came into contact with artists who were uninsured, who didn’t have to be. Since that time, I’ve been trying to get information on how to find affordable healthcare, whenever there is relevant news, from reliable sources.
by Steve Smitherman – President at CareSource Indiana
It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the three-year mark since the COVID-19 pandemic began. When it came to our health, this period was marked by confusion and a number of worries. These ranged from masks, vaccines and boosters, mental health challenges, job loss and more.
But for over 2 million Hoosiers, health coverage has not been a major issue or something needing much attention since the federal public health emergency began. However, it’s important that Hoosiers know about some changes coming in 2023 that could impact their health care and ability to go to the doctor, hospital or pharmacy. As we move further into the year, it is crucial that many Hoosiers take steps to keep themselves and their families covered.
Prior to the pandemic, anyone with health coverage through Medicaid, which in Indiana includes Hoosier Healthwise, Hoosier Care Connect and the Healthy Indiana Plan, had to renew their coverage annually. The federal government required this to make sure people receiving these benefits were still eligible based on factors like their income, household size and disability status. However, when the pandemic began, this requirement was set aside, and anyone with Medicaid simply stayed on the program without taking any renewal actions. This will change in 2023. The state of Indiana will return to the pre-pandemic norm of checking to see if Hoosiers are eligible for the health care they get through HIP, Hoosier Healthwise, Hoosier Care Connect or traditional Medicaid. This annual process that is restarting is called redetermination.
How can I be prepared for redetermination?
It is important that Hoosiers know what kind of coverage they have and understand that they might need to work with the state to keep it. This work can begin right now. Most Medicaid members have likely experienced changes since 2020, so they should update their information with the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration, often referred to as FSSA. This includes answering the following prompts and confirming these details with the state:
What is your address? What is your income? What is your employment status? Details surrounding your age and family status?
FSSA has made it easy for this information to be updated by following these steps:
Go to FSSABenefits.IN.gov.Scroll down to the blue “Manage Your Benefits” section.Click on either “Sign into my account” or “Create account.”Call 800-403-0864 if you need assistance.Then watch your mail! Be sure to respond with any information that FSSA requests.
Members may also be hearing from their current health plan. Health plans like CareSource will be busy reaching out to their members to help keep their status updated. We’re sending mail, calling our members, sending text messages and emails, all in an effort to help ensure they understand the importance of updating their account information and reporting any details that have changed from their application or last renewal.
What if I lose my health coverage?
It is estimated that 25% of Hoosiers that are currently on Medicaid could lose their coverage as redetermination starts and the process returns to normal. Why does this matter? Hoosiers’ health is a top priority and access to coverage is essential so residents can see a doctor or get medicines when needed. Health coverage is also essential as it connects patients to laboratory and x-ray services, home health services, physical therapy, hearing aids and more. If a current member is determined to no longer be eligible for Medicaid coverage, there are other options available for them and their family. Health plans can connect those individuals to other resources and help to get them enrolled in other coverage options such as Health Insurance Marketplace. To learn more about Marketplace coverage and determining eligibility, visit HealthCare.gov or call 800-318-2596.
Where else can I find help?
There are also specially trained and certified professionals throughout Indiana who can help Hoosiers find the right health coverage. These are called navigators and application organizations. Hoosiers can find help in their area by visiting: in-fssa.force.com/HCNav/.Finally, we’ve all had a few birthdays during the pandemic. For those that are now over 65, they can look into coverage through the federal Medicare program by visiting Medicare.gov or by calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).Indiana’s State Health Insurance Program can also help with any questions about Medicare. Find them online at medicare.in.gov or call 800-452-4800.
It is truly in the best interest of all Medicaid members to update their information with the state. Doing this can help to better ensure that residents avoid any lapse in coverage. Whether an individual is a CareSource member or a member of another health plan, their health is important and their ability to stay covered or obtain the right coverage in 2023 is a critical piece of the puzzle.
