When the COVID-19 pandemic began, the federal government temporarily paused the annual re-enrollment process for Medicaid to protect people from losing their health insurance. This extended coverage is now ending. Over the next year, Medicaid members will have to renew their coverage by providing DHHS with current household and income information.
Medicaid renewals will happen now through May 2024 and some people are at risk of losing their NH Medicaid or MaineCare benefits.
“This was meant to be a temporary measure to make sure people did not lose coverage during the pandemic,” says Melissa Bartlett, Medical Outreach Case Manager at North Conway’s Memorial Hospital. “With the emergency ending, those participants will have to re-enroll in order to continue their benefits.”
Bartlett says the procedures for Medicaid recipients in New Hampshire in Maine are similar. Current recipients will receive a letter notifying them of their need to re-establish program eligibility along with instructions and due dates. It is important, she explains, that members do not ignore these letters and to follow all instructions.
“The letters include lists of documents to provide and how to submit them. There are also phone numbers and web addresses where participants can seek help.”
She adds that having a current address on file is crucial to receiving the re-application mailing and reduce the chance of interrupting benefits. “A lot of people to move and change their living situations due to the pandemic. Not having a current address on file with New Hampshire or Maine could delay the reapplication process.”
Some Medicaid recipients will discover they are no longer eligible due to a change in circumstance but may now be eligible for insurance through employer-based care programs or the health insurance marketplace. It is still important to reapply to be certain how these changes affect Medicaid eligibility. Individuals who lose Medicaid eligibility will have a special 90-day enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace.
New Hampshire residents can verify their current address or register for new benefits at nheasy.nh.gov or by calling 844-ASK-DHHS. Maine residents can visit MyMaineConnection.com or call 855-797-4357. The MaineHealth Access to Care team is available to help individuals navigate this change. More information and links to state resources are available at mainehealth.org/Medicaid.
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About Memorial Hospital
Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit 25-bed Critical Access Hospital located in North Conway, NH, and is a member of the MaineHealth family. Its hospital services include a 24-hour emergency department, surgery center, clinical laboratory, heart health & wellness programs, imaging services, cardiopulmonary care, family birthing center, oncology, chemotherapy and infusion services. Practices include primary care and family medicine, diabetes care, behavioral health, women's health, podiatry, orthopedics and physical therapy. Memorial Hospital is also home to The Merriman House nursing home, which provides senior care services in a comfortable, home-like setting. For more information, visit memorialhospitalnh.org or call 603-356-5461.