300,000 Coloradoans at Risk of Losing Their Medicaid Coverage

Since the start of the pandemic, thousands of people and families could access Medicaid care and benefits like free COVID-19 tests through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and other bills passed in response to the virus. This prevented Medicaid programs like Health First Colorado and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from dis-enrolling low-income adults and children even when they become ineligible. After three years, these COVID-19 protections will be terminated by the end of May. 

These protections have allowed over 1.75 million to have Medicaid, which will change very soon. Without the protections, un-enrollments will start up again soon. First, everyone will have the chance to renew their coverage. The renewal form is due at the end of May. From then on, if people are determined to be ineligible, they will lose access to their Medicaid coverage. The state estimates that 300,000 people will not qualify and will be dis-enrolled. 

Maria Zubia, who works with Adelante Community Development, is worried that aside from being ineligible, people will forget to submit their renewal forms which is necessary for a chance to continue being covered by Colorado’s Medicaid programs. “That’s my biggest fear, is that you lost your coverage because you forgot to submit the packet, that is the biggest fear.” Zubia is helping people, especially non-English speakers, fill out their renewal packet with Adelante Community Development at the Mile High Flea Market.

Although the question of eligibility can be discouraging, it is crucial to fill out the renewal packet for the opportunity to renew Medicaid coverage. The renewal forms are due at the end of May. Without submitting that renewal package on time, your Medicaid coverage will be terminated. For more information on the renewal process, visit the Health First Colorado website. To renew online, or if you have any questions or concerns regarding your coverage, visit the PEAK website.

Photo courtesy of Health First Colorado on Facebook