SALT LAKE CITY — Millions are in danger of losing their Medicaid benefits this year as the program revamps its eligibility requirements.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the federal government stopped states from removing people from Medicaid even if they were no longer eligible.

“We have over half a million Utahns today who are receiving their health benefits through the Medicaid program,” said Jennifer Strohecker, state Medicaid director.

But all of that is changing. If you use Medicaid for your healthcare coverage, you’re going to need to re-qualify for the first time since the pandemic started in 2020. 

What to keep an eye on

Eligibility reviews begin next month. Strohecker said the best thing to do is update all of your information in your online portal.

“We are asking Medicaid members to update their contact information and respond to review requests when they receive them in their mail so that members can continue to receive their healthcare benefits that they qualify for.”

Once people receive notifications to renew their Medicaid standing, they have 30 days to turn it in doing this as soon as possible will help ensure continued coverage.

“Log into the myCase portal and look at when their specific review date is. And then when they know that, they can anticipate potentially receiving a letter in the mail that will let them know when their review date is and if they have to fill out their forms to keep their eyes on their mail around that time.”

If you lose benefits

Stohecker said if you lose Medicaid benefits, there are other programs the state can refer you to.

“If we’re able to do a complete case review, we can transfer someone to a different plan,” Stohecker said, adding, “if we do not have complete information, this is when we’ll send a request in the mail.”

And, she said, if you no longer qualify for Medicaid, your children still may be eligible, so make sure to fully update all the information online.

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