State officials estimate that between 40,000 and 80,000 Nebraska residents who rely on Medicaid for their health care may lose that coverage as the first sweeping review of eligibility requirements in several years takes place.

All states are beginning the Medicaid renewal process after Congress ended the continuous coverage requirement that was in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services recently launched a months-long process to review eligibility for the 385,000 low-income children and adults, seniors and individuals with disabilities enrolled in Medicaid. That process, which involves around 32,000 renewals a month, will extend to February of next year .

Why it’s important

In Nebraska, Medicaid allows for 19% of the state’s population to get the health care that they need.

Last year, the state’s Division of Medicaid & Long-Term Care paid out nearly $3 billion in reimbursements to 55,000 enrolled providers. Those funds are critical in supporting the health care industry across Nebraska, supporting workers and services in both rural and urban areas.

How the process will work

In March, the state began processing the first batch of renewals. They’ll first look to renew coverage automatically, primarily for enrollees who haven’t moved and whose income hasn’t changed.

For others, the department will mail a renewal form to be completed by the deadline.

Nebraskans may lose Medicaid coverage either because they don’t respond or no longer meet eligibility requirements. That’s a potential strain on Nebraska’s health care system in the loss of Medicaid revenue to providers and a potential increase in uninsured patients.

Medicaid enrollees are encouraged to make sure their email address, mailing address and phone number on file with the Department of Health and Human Services are up to date.

For those who need help, navigators from the state’s community health centers are available to provide assistance.

If Medicaid coverage is terminated, health coverage is available through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

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