With the national emergency declaration ending May 11, 2023, another national emergency evolves – more than half of those with Medicaid coverage will be terminated (3 million African Americans, 5 million Latinos, 1 million Asian and Pacific Islanders). The first anticipated terminations for North Carolina are projected for July 2023.
What this means to NC:
- Access to essential services (vaccinations, testing, direct payments, and insurance coverage) terminated.
- Redetermination of eligibility of coverage from the protections of the COVID Public Health Emergency.
- March 31, 2023, ended the “continuous enrollment” period.
- April 1, 2023, started removal of Medicaid beneficiaries from coverage.
- State Medicaid programs must provide coverage without cost sharing for COVID testing until September 30, 2024, after which coverage may vary by state. Other data, telehealth, and devices may also be affected as well.
North Carolina is at a crossroads. Medicaid expansion is upon us, but the infrastructure is not in place to accommodate the expansion. Long wait times to be seen by a physician or at a healthcare facility become a quality-of-life concern. The balance of power in Raleigh is “out of balance.” Diversity of thought stifled. Politics “as usual” prevail.
What actions do we need to take to amplify this issue and advocate for the most vulnerable:
- Continue to support and advocate for Medicaid expansion in NC.
- Tell beneficiaries to contact their state agency and update their address and phone number. State agency information can be found here: www.medicaid.gov
- Tell beneficiaries to watch for communication and respond by the due date.
- For help and assistance for enrollment, go to: www.getcoveredamerica.org
- For those not eligible for Medicaid, enroll in marketplace coverage for less than $10/month at www.HealthCare.gov
