Medicaid Unwinding in Colorado: What You Need to Know
Key takeaways:
Medicaid in Colorado is changing with the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023. This will lead to a loss of coverage through a process being called unwinding.
During the COVID PHE, Medicaid enrollees had continuous coverage. But automatic Medicaid renewals end on March 31, 2023. After that, Coloradans will need to take action every year to renew their Medicaid or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) benefits.
Colorado has started the Medicaid redetermination process. So it’s important for Health First Colorado to have your current contact information. If you can’t be reached, you could lose your benefits.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 in January 2020. And the declaration was renewed a dozen times through February 2023.
But the COVID PHE is ending in May 2023, and that means that Medicaid renewal procedures are changing. People who enrolled in Medicaid during the COVID PHE had continuous coverage regardless of their eligibility. Now, automatic Medicaid renewals are stopping nationwide. This change goes into effect on March 31, 2023 and each state has flexibility to determine when to drop coverage for enrollees who no longer qualify.
Why is Medicaid changing nationwide?
The COVID PHE will end on May 11, 2023. COVID will remain a public health priority, but will not be considered a public health emergency.
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As a result, Medicaid renewals will no longer be automatic. And Medicaid plans will undergo eligibility reviews through a redetermination process. This is being referred to as the unwinding of Medicaid, and millions of people nationwide risk losing coverage because of it.
The unwinding process will affect Medicaid programs in every state, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.
What is happening with Medicaid renewal in Colorado?
The state estimates that about 325,000 people in Colorado could lose Medicaid or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) coverage due to the unwinding process. And that could affect some Coloradans as early as May 1, 2023.
In Colorado, Medicaid eligibility reviews are handled by the state’s Department of Human Services (DHS) in each county. Local DHS offices have started reviewing Medicaid cases to determine current eligibility and expect to spend 14 months working through this process. Here’s what you can expect:
You should get renewal information in the mail about 60 days before your renewal deadline, which is the date of your enrollment anniversary. You can fill out the Colorado Medicaid renewal packet online. You should complete, sign, and return it by the deadline.
If you have the Health First Colorado app, you will receive a push notification when it’s time to complete your renewal paperwork every year.
If the state has a cell phone number for you, you may receive text messages about your renewal.
Be aware that your eligibility for Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) benefits could be impacted by several factors, including:
Whether your current household income falls below Colorado Medicaid income limits
The current number of people in your household
Your current disability status
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What should I do if I lose my Medicaid coverage in Colorado?
If Colorado doesn’t renew your Medicaid coverage during the redetermination process, you will no longer be able to use your benefits, which could leave you temporarily uninsured. If that happens, you should know that there are free and low-cost healthcare options available. In addition to other resources, you can use GoodRx coupons to save money on your prescription medications.
If you lose your benefits during the unwinding process but believe you still qualify, you should reapply for Medicaid in Colorado.
If you don’t plan to reapply for Medicaid, you should see if you qualify for coverage elsewhere. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be able to find health insurance through one of these options:
Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace: Through the ACA exchange, you may be able to find coverage for $10 or less per month if you qualify for a premium subsidy. Colorado’s ACA marketplace is called Connect for Health Colorado, and 2 out of 3 customers can find plans for $25 per month or less with financial assistance. If you lose your Medicaid coverage, you’ll be able to get an ACA plan during an unwinding special enrollment period (SEP) that lasts from March 31, 2023 to July 31, 2024.
Employer plan: Depending on your job, you may be able to take advantage of employer-sponsored insurance.
Medicare: You can enroll in Medicare at any age if you have a qualifying disease or disability.
Partner’s plan: If your spouse or domestic partner has insurance, you may be able to join their plan during an open enrollment period or SEP.
Special plans: If you anticipate a better option, like an employer plan, to be available soon, short-term insurance can be a good way to go. You may also consider alternative and limited-benefit plans, like fixed indemnity, accident, cost-sharing, and catastrophic insurance plans.
Student health insurance plans: If you’re a student enrolled in a college or university you may be able to enroll in a campus health plan.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): If you are an active-duty service member or a veteran, you may qualify for TRICARE coverage or VA benefits and services.
Colorado Medicaid resources
Here are some resources where you can learn more about Medicaid in Colorado and upcoming changes related to the end of the COVID PHE:
Colorado Medicaid office: Health First Colorado oversees the state’s Medicaid program and can be reached by calling 800-221-3943.
Colorado Medicaid renewals: Learn more about how Colorado Medicaid renewals work.
Colorado Medicaid self-service portal: You can access your Medicaid account 24/7 through Colorado PEAK, where you can learn more about Medicaid and CHP+ renewal as well as your specific renewal date.
National Indian Health Board: This organization projects that about 236,000 American Indians Alaska Natives, which includes Colorado residents, will lose coverage because of the unwinding process
The bottom line
Medicaid renewals are changing as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) downgrading to a public health priority. Automatic Medicaid renewals end nationwide on March 31, 2023. And if you live in Colorado, you could lose coverage as early as May 1, 2023. Colorado’s Medicaid office, Health First Colorado, will spend 14 months reviewing cases for eligibility.
If you no longer qualify for Medicaid benefits, you may be able to get financial assistance to help pay for a plan through Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange.
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References
Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. (2020). Determination that a public health emergency exists.
Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. (2023). Renewal of determination that a public health emergency exists.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2023). Temporary Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for consumers losing Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage due to unwinding of the Medicaid continuous enrollment condition – Frequently asked questions (FAQ).
Colorado Community Health Alliance. (n.d.). Planning for the end of the public health emergency.
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. (2023). State working to keep Coloradans covered with health insurance.
Connect for Health Colorado. (2023). Medicaid unwind.
Connect for Health Colorado. (2023). What is Health First Colorado (Medicaid)?
Health First Colorado. (2022). How do I find my renewal due date?
Medicaid.gov. (n.d.). Unwinding and returning to regular operations after COVID-19.
Tolbert, J., et al. (2023). 10 things to know about the unwinding of the Medicaid continuous enrollment provision. Kaiser Family Foundation.
