RECENT MEDICAID CHANGES MAY IMPACT YOU –
MEDICAID RENEWALS HAVE RESTARTED

DON’T RISK A GAP IN COVERAGE!

In March 2020, Congress passed a law responding to the COVID-19 pandemic that generally required states to keep most people enrolled in Medicaid coverage regardless of changes, such as a change in income. Nearly 390,000 Nebraskans have been relying on Medicaid coverage for their health needs during the pandemic, but recent changes could cause tens of thousands of Nebraskans to lose Medicaid coverage. For the past three years, most people were able to keep their Medicaid coverage even when their situation changed due to COVID-19 protections. These protections have ended, which means that people with Medicaid could lose their coverage as the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) conducts renewals. During this process, DHHS will be sending notices to Nebraskans with Medicaid and may be requesting information or explaining changes in coverage.

SHARE YOUR MEDICAID RENEWAL STORY

Tens of thousands of Nebraskans have been terminated from Medicaid in recent months. We know how important access to health care is for all Nebraskans. This online form allows you to share your experience regarding Nebraska Medicaid renewals or terminations with Nebraska Appleseed.

Share Your Story

WHAT SHOULD NEBRASKANS WITH MEDICAID DO?

  1. Update Your Contact Information with DHHS Now
  2. Check Your Mail/Email and Watch for Communications from DHHS
  3. Complete Any Verification Request and/or Medicaid Renewal Form on Time

Questions? Reach out to Nebraska Appleseed’s Community Assistance Line.

FAST FACTS

TIMELINE

  • In March 2023, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) started processing renewals for Nebraskas with Medicaid, and the first round of terminations began in April 2023.

ESTIMATED IMPACT

  • DHHS estimates that there are between 40,000-80,000 Nebraskans who will no longer qualify for Medicaid and will lose coverage.
  • DHHS has identified 145,000 Nebraskans since March 2020 that may be at risk of losing their coverage, which highlights that many more Nebraskans are at risk of losing their coverage, even if they are still eligible for Medicaid.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND LOCAL RESOURCES FOR NEBRASKANS WITH MEDICAID:

  1. What do I do if I get a Medicaid Renewal Form or a Verification Request from DHHS?
    • Provide the information requested on time. If you fail to do so, you could risk losing your coverage.
  2. What happens if I receive a Notice of Action that says I am denied medical coverage and my coverage will be terminated?
    • You have the right to appeal. Check the back of your Notice of Action for some information on this process, and see the next question below for where to get help.
    • If you no longer qualify for Medicaid, you may be able to get health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. 4 out of 5 enrollees can find plans that cost less than $10 a month. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) to learn more.
  3. Where can I get help?

WHO MAY BE IMPACTED?

Changes in health coverage can be difficult for everyone. The restarted renewal process may disproportionately affect the same people who have always faced systemic barriers to health coverage and care, and further exacerbate health disparities.

For the first time since March 2020, Nebraskans’ Medicaid coverage may be terminated based on their eligibility renewal. Some Nebraskans may no longer qualify for Medicaid and need to be transitioned to other coverage. Others may have issues receiving and completing Verification Requests or Renewal forms sent via mail, and not responding could lead to termination of their Medicaid coverage.

Folks who have the following situations may need to pay extra attention to their Medicaid coverage:

  • Anyone who has moved, changed their phone number, or changed their email address may miss important notices from DHHS if their contact information is not up-to-date. Update contact information today!
  • Anyone whose income has changed since March 2020.
  • Anyone who qualified for Medicaid as a pregnant person but is no longer pregnant.
  • Anyone who qualified for Medicaid as a child but is over the age of 18.
  • Anyone who qualified for Medicaid as a parent/caretaker who no longer has children under 18 or 19.
  • Anyone who qualified for Medicaid as a former foster youth but is over the age of 25.
  • Anyone now on Medicare.
  • Anyone whose first language is not English or who has other accessibility needs.

RESOURCES

Contact smaresh@neappleseed.org if you’d like printed copies of Appleseed’s fact sheet or postcards!

The information provided on this webpage is not legal advice. All content is for general informational purposes only.

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