Washington State’s Health Care Authority says nearly 18,000 Medicaid clients could lose their coverage this weekend if they don’t recertify their eligibility by December 1. Medicaid officials said the number is larger than usual, probably because of confusion over the fact that renewals now should go through the new Healthplanfinder exchange.
At renewal time, Medicaid clients are required to declare their current circumstances to determine if they still qualify for the program. For those who have submitted a renewal no action is needed.
Manning Pellanda, Assistant HCA Director for Eligibility Policy and Service Delivery, said the clients facing termination this weekend can restore lost coverage by completing the renewal process in December. Some clients may not be worried because Medicaid’s 90-day grace period will cover services and coverage retroactively.
But others may have difficulty getting prescriptions filled next week or completing doctor or dentist appointments. Interrupted coverage also can be a hassle for providers.
To renew Medicaid coverage, clients can submit the required information several different ways:
- Apply directly in www.wahealthplanfinder.org, the Exchange’s web portal.
- Contact your health plan. A list of plan phone numbers is on the HCA website at www.hca.wa.gov/
medicaid/healthyoptions/pages/ planlinks.aspx - Contact a Community Health Center in your area. You can find a list of health centers atwww.wacmhc.org/
- Fill out a paper application (HCA Form 18-001) and mail it to Washington Healthplanfinder, PO Box 946, Olympia, Wash. 98507