The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released data that underscores its concerns regarding state laws that affect families during the renewal process for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The HHS revealed that states, particularly those with expanded Medicaid programs supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), are better equipped to maintain coverage for children.
According to the HHS, CMS reduces bureaucratic obstacles for states that adhere to the federal strategies designed to simplify enrollment. The report highlighted that there are 10 states which have not improved their Medicaid coverage. These states "have disenrolled more children than those that have expanded combined." The mentioned states include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Secretary Xavier Becerra issued a statement urging these states to adopt federal flexibilities that would assist teenagers in maintaining their medical coverage. He said: "I urge you to ensure that no eligible child in your state loses their health insurance due to ‘red tape’ or other bureaucratic barriers during the Medicaid enrollment process."
Youths residing in these states risk losing their health insurance as they turn 19. A news release noted a significant disparity in disenrollment rates between these 10 states and those with enhanced Medicaid coverage. It stated a 27.6% rate of disenrollments among children in these 10 states compared to a 12.1% rate in states with improved Medicaid coverage.
CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure emphasized CMS's commitment towards ensuring access to health coverage during the Medicaid and CHIP renewal process, especially for children. She said: "CMS is doing everything in our power to protect access to health coverage during the Medicaid and CHIP renewal process, especially for children. That’s why we’ve put forward dozens of strategies for states to protect children and families’ ability to stay covered. Many states have worked with us to adopt the strategies we’ve put on the table – and we strongly urge all states to do their part to make sure eligible children keep the coverage they need to grow and thrive."
