More than a quarter million Minnesotans at risk of losing public health plans
MINNEAPOLIS – With COVID-era rules ending, as many as 370,000 Minnesotans could lose their publicly funded healthcare coverage, that's according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).
It's why the department has rolled out a campaign to ensure people know their options.
The process to renew medical assistance and MinnesotaCare was suspended during the pandemic. Now, three years later, federal regulations require everyone in these programs to re-apply.
"We probably have not undertaken something this large since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act," said DHS assistant director Julie Marquardt.
DHS calls it their challenge to ensure that everyone who qualifies for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare is covered. It's part of the department's statewide effort to reach out through the mail, to counties, tribes and community organizations to make sure everyone who needs coverage continues to receive it.
"Some people have not gone through this process for three years. Some people have not gone through it ever because they've just come on to the program during the pandemic," she said.
Over the pandemic, the need for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare grew by 30%. One-and-a-half-million Minnesotans now rely on these programs.
When it's time to renew, those currently enrolled will receive an envelope in the mail with a blue circle and the words "Important Information Enclosed." Inside will be information on the next steps.
"If you're no longer eligible for Medicaid, we'll send you a letter about other health coverage options," she said.
Marquardt says those most likely to lose coverage would have remained eligible, had they re-applied.
"At the end of this we want to make sure that every person who is eligible for a public program remains eligible," she said.
One of their biggest challenges is reaching out to those experiencing homelessness, or those who speak English as a second language. She says the department is working with community organizations to help connect those individuals.
Individuals re-applying for MinnesotaCare will not do that until October.