Although the COVID-19 public health emergency remains in effect and states receiving the pandemic-related 6.2 percentage point increase in the federal medical assistance percentage cannot disenroll beneficiaries, federal and state Medicaid officials have been planning for the resumption of redeterminations for some time. There are concerns about state readiness and burden, as well as the potential for loss of coverage for some who are currently enrolled and will remain eligible. This panel discussion focused on approaches and challenges experienced by two states—Oregon and Utah—as they plan for the eventual return to routine Medicaid eligibility renewals, and the concerns of beneficiary advocates. The panel also discussed strategies states are or could be using to mitigate unnecessary coverage losses.
Panelists included:
- Melissa McChesney, health policy advisor at UnidosUS (formerly National Council of La Raza)
- Jeff Nelson, bureau director of eligibility policy for the Utah Department of Health
- Jeremy Vandehey, director of the health policy and analytics division for the Oregon Health Authority