|
From the Administration for Community Living:
Government agencies
have started reviewing policies that were put in place to meet
the needs of states, localities, and the public during the
height of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the federal declaration
of a public health emergency (PHE) expires, many of the
flexibilities initiated during the PHE will need to be rolled
back. This return to pre-pandemic operations will have
far-reaching impacts for older adults and people with
disabilities. Changes in Medicaid enrollment and eligibility
will be particularly important—and potentially confusing or
disruptive—for current enrollees. The aging and disability
networks can prepare in advance for the coming changes to best
meet the needs of people who rely on Medicaid coverage for
essential services and supports.
The Families First
Coronavirus Response Act (FFRCA) prohibits states accepting
extra Medicaid funding from disenrolling anyone from their
Medicaid programs (with limited exceptions) during the
PHE. While the Biden Administration has not officially
said when the PHE will end, it has assured states that they
will receive at least 60 days of advance notice. Upon the end
of the PHE, states will have 12 months to evaluate the
eligibility of virtually everyone in their Medicaid programs to
make sure they still qualify for the program.
ACL has developed a
new fact
sheet to help grantees prepare for these eventual
changes. The fact sheet describes how FFCRA impacts
Medicaid and details five things the aging and disability
networks should know:
1. Medicaid beneficiaries should make sure
their Medicaid agency has their current contact information.
They should check their mail and be sure to mail back any
Medicaid forms they receive.
2. All renewal forms and notices must be
accessible to people with limited English proficiency and
people with disabilities.
3. Many people who are no longer eligible
for Medicaid will have other coverage options.
4. If someone is disenrolled or their
Medicaid coverage changes and they disagree with their state
Medicaid agency’s decision, they can appeal.
5. The end of the Public Health Emergency
may lead to an increase in utilization of services provided by
Older Americans Act programs, Centers for Independent Living,
Assistive Technology Act programs, and other ACL grantees.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment