Between June 2023 and May 2024, more than 15 million Medi-Cal members — one third of the state’s residents — will have their eligibility redetermined as part of the “great unwinding” of MediCare enrollees now underway across the country. Speakers from the California Department of Health Care Services and Covered California updated reporters on steps the state is taking to ensure all eligible Californians have continuous coverage. At EMS briefing on Aug 15, leaders of nonprofits working on the frontlines shared information about the impact of redetermination on Black, Latino, AAPI and Native American enrollees, especially older adults and children.
Yingjia Huang, Deputy Director of health care benefits and eligibility, at Department of Health Care Services said, a total of 225,000, or 21% of the total, of white card members were withdrawn because they did not mail renewal information.
However, before September 30, the public can return to the white card plan after returning the renewal information. This means that everyone still has 46 days to submit materials. If people are found to be ineligible for Medicaid, the department will provide resources to help them transition to other programs.
“If you are about to renew your insurance, please be sure to pay attention to the yellow renewal information bag, and the counties will contact you. Please check the text message, email, and we will remind you by phone, text message or email.”
The department is funding Health Enrollment Navigators in the community, and more than 150 community organizations will help members fill out re-eligibility packets, answer questions and help with paperwork.
Jessica Altman, CEO, Covered California said that working with partners to provide California residents with a variety of health insurance options has reduced the uninsured rate from 17.5% to 7.5%. Covered California will support those who are no longer eligible for Medi-Cal to transition to other programs, provide financial assistance, and help pay premiums. Most people who qualify for Covered California can get coverage for free or at a low cost. The new program will expand insurance coverage and help more people get the coverage they need.
Louise McCarthy, CEO of Community Clinic Association of LA County said Community health centers play a key role in ensuring continued health insurance coverage. The association has 113 nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County, serving 1.89 million Los Angeles residents. The Association works with the government to ensure the successful renewal of Medi-Cal coverage for enrollees. Through newsletters, outreach staff and publicity, the Community Health Center encourages enrollees to process renewal documents.
Mayra Alvarez, President of Children’s Partnership said more than 5.7 million children, nearly 60 percent of the state’s total, are dependent on the Medi-Cal program, most of them children of color. Securing children’s health coverage is critical to their future, especially when mitigating the unequal impact of public health emergencies.
Vidya Sethuraman
India Post News Service
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