States can restart Medicaid redeterminations in less than a month, and a new coalition aims to avoid coverage lapses for people who may be culled from the program.
The Connecting to Coverage Coalition is spearheaded by AHIP, the health insurance industry's largest lobbying group, and its other founding members include the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the Federation of American Hospitals, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and the Association for Community Affiliated Plans.
The national effort is seeking to provide a single source for information about the redetermination process and to build solutions that ensure people are able to find the coverage the works best for them and their families, according to an announcement.
A recent study from the left-leaning think tank Urban Institute found that 18 million people could lose their insurance coverage during the redetermination process. Another Urban analysis released last month found that many people are not aware that redetermination are set to resume.
"We know states are working hard for a smooth redetermination process, and available information is constantly changing and improving," AHIP said in the press release. "CCC members will provide updated resources on a real-time basis to ensure policymakers and Americans have access to the latest information on this essential coverage process."
The coalition's website will offer a one-stop-shop of key information around Medicaid redeterminations, including data like Urban's which track how people understand and perceive the process. It will answer frequently asked questions for patients and their families, and link to resources from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as well as state governments on redeterminations.
In addition, healthcare leaders and navigators can access toolkits and best practices for connecting with enrollees about their Medicaid eligibility and how they can find alternative coverage if necessary.
The potential for massive coverage losses due to the redeterminations has been of significant concern for the industry as well as policymakers. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra sent a letter to state governors this week urging them to do as much as possible to minimize the number of people who become uninsured during the redetermination process, CNN reported.
“I urge you to ensure that your state is implementing every possible option to prevent eligible individuals from losing coverage,” Becerra wrote in the letter.
Alongside announcing the coalition, AHIP released an analysis that finds in most states the majority of people who no longer qualify for Medicaid coverage will switch to employer-sponsored plans. The analysis estimates that 3.8 million, or 21.2% , of those disenrolled from Medicaid will become uninsured.
"State leaders are coordinating with various health care stakeholders to ensure a smooth, transparent Medicaid redetermination process," according to the release. "Members of the CCC are committed to working together in planning and outreach to help ensure people are able to enroll in affordable coverage choices to protect their health and financial stability."