U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Sec. Xavier Becerra has sent a second letter to state governors emphasizing the importance of maintaining Medicaid coverage for eligible individuals and families.
HHS released a copy of the letter on June 12, in which Becerra outlined options for federal assistance states can access during their transitions back to pre-Covid19 Medicaid operations, writing that "it is critically important to ensure that individuals do not lose coverage due solely to administrative processes."
Becerra notes in the letter that "meaningful access" to health care requires quality coverage, which "provides peace of mind and security to every American family." He stated that the department's Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services "is closely monitoring changes in Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollment.
"I am deeply concerned with the number of people unnecessarily losing coverage, especially those who appear to have lost coverage for avoidable reasons that State Medicaid offices have the power to prevent or mitigate," Becerra wrote. The letter is the second sent to state governors; Becerra sent a similar letter in March, the correspondence notes.
Becerra wrote that a "high number of people" have lost Medicaid coverage "due to administrative processes." He advised the governors to review their state's current practices and encouraged them to "consider going further" to ensure Medicaid-eligible persons are protected from "procedural termination."
Becerra reminded governors of existing HHS policy options and urged them to consider adopting new options, which Becerra wrote "build on existing flexibilities we have already offered states."
Options outlined by Becerra in the letter include allowing renewals to be spread out over 12 months, which would prevent backlogs by reducing burdens on applicants and state systems; use current sources of data to renew those eligible, such as eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and others; and for states to work with managed care plans and to use data from the U.S. Postal Service to "update people's contact information so that they actually receive the renewal forms states are sending out."
"These are just a few of the options that help to maintain coverage for eligible people – there are many more, and we welcome the opportunity to provide technical assistance to implement these policies," Becerra wrote.
The secretary suggested state officials also "partner with stakeholders on the ground" such as local governments, community and faith-based organizations, schools, pharmacies and "anyone else in your communities who can help people understand the Medicaid and CHIP renewal process."
"We must all do much more to ensure that everyone with Medicaid or CHIP coverage knows that they must check their mailbox and/or email for a renewal form and return it immediately to maintain their coverage," Becerra wrote.
"(W)hile we know that states are working hard to meet the federal requirements," Becerra wrote, "we will not hesitate to use the compliance authority provided by Congress, including requesting that states pause procedural terminations under conditions outlined by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, should it be needed."
"As Secretary of Health and Human Services," Becerra wrote, "I am committed to making sure every American has access to quality, affordable health coverage.
"Our partnership is critical in making this a reality, and I urge every state to go above and beyond to keep eligible people covered," Becerra wrote to the governors. "My team stands ready to help. "
