At the end of 2022, President Biden signed an act ending the public health emergency effective May 11 of this year. This also encompasses an end to the continuous Medicaid coverage offered during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Greene County Medical Center patient financial services supervisor Maddeline Smith explained those who rely on Medicaid for their healthcare needs will be asked to re-enroll for coverage, with the goal of bringing Medicaid back to the pre-pandemic requirements for enrollment and re-enrollment. The process, initiated April 1, is rolling out in phases over a 12-month period. The first phase includes notification letters from the Department of Health and Human Services.
“Anyone receiving Medicaid during the pandemic will receive one of these letters,” Smith said. “It is important to respond to requests for updates to contact information and addresses as soon as possible to ensure a more seamless re-appplication process.”
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services will conduct redeterminations through individual evaluations, which will be organized based on the scheduled renewal month. Included are members who have not had a redetermination in the last year and those who have been deemed ineligible, but whose coverage was maintained during the public health emergency.
“We invite anyone who has questions about the process or needs assistance with their renewal packet to reach out to use in the financial services department here at Greene County Medical Center,” Smith said. “We will be able to sit down with you, one-on-one, to not only discuss the Medicaid unwinding period and re-enrollment, but also to share with you the many different financial aid programs that are available at the medical center. We are here to help in any way we can to ensure you continue to receive the care you need.”
Persons who want more information can contact the Greene County Medical Center financial services counselor at 515-386-0278 or on the medical center website at gcmchealth.com in the business office link, found under the Patients & Visitors tab.
