Don't lose your Medicaid benefits!

Learn how to remain covered, or reinstate lost benefits

As of August 1, 2023, almost 3.8 million people have been disenrolled from Medicaid. Many of those with lost benefits are still eligible for Medicaid, but lost coverage due to mistakes made by themselves or the state. Additionally, over the next 12 months, everyone with health care coverage through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will need to renew their coverage. 

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, significant but temporary, changes were made to Medicaid enrollment and eligibility rules to prevent people from losing Medicaid coverage during the pandemic. With the end of the Federal Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023, all states are resuming their regular processes for renewing individuals’ Medicaid coverage. You may have to take action to remain covered and there are steps you can take if you lose Medicaid.

• UPDATE your contact information with your state Medicaid agency NOW. In Wisconsin, there are a variety of Medicaid programs with different names such as BadgerCare, IRIS, Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI) Program, and more. 
• RESPOND to the Medicaid renewal form when it comes in the mail. If you don't, you may lose your coverage even if you are still eligible.
• PARENTS should respond even if you are not eligible or are enrolled in other coverage. Your children could still be eligible for coverage.

CONNECT WITH RESOURCES THAT CAN HELP: If you lose Medicaid coverage and think you may still be eligible, there are programs that may be able to help you appeal the denial of Medicaid coverage or find other insurance.

• State protection and advocacy systems and legal advocacy organizations funded under the Older Americans Act may be able to help with appeals.
• Disabled people of all ages can contact the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) for assistance.
• Older adults can contact the Eldercare Locator to find local assistance.
• Older adults and people with disabilities who are eligible for Medicare can also find assistance through their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIP is a national program that offers one-on-one assistance, counseling, and education to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages, their families, and caregivers to help them make informed decisions about their care and benefits.
• Benefit Enrollment Centers can also help connect people with insurance or other benefits.

CHECK OTHER OPTIONS: If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, you should check to see if you can get coverage through your employer or through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov.