With over 2.4 million Arizonans set to undergo the Medicaid eligibility redetermination process in light of the April 1st cutoff for continuous Medicaid coverage, marking the first redeterminations process since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020, Medicaid health plans like UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona have been taking active roles to spread awareness about the process.
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is responsible for determining eligibility in the state and removing those no longer eligible, which AHCCCS expects to be about 600,000 members. About 75% of redeterminations will be completed automatically and those members will not need to take action. Renewal dates are often based on the month during which one was first enrolled. Arizona began its redeterminations process in February, while 28 states are waiting until April.
Most states will undergo redeterminations for periods of 12-14 months, but through House Bill 2624, Arizona lawmakers are considering a redeterminations timeline of nine months. According to bill sponsor Rep. Leo Biasiucci (R – Gilbert), continued Medicaid coverage for those no longer eligible costs about $5 million per month.
While AHCCCS has been working with community partners and members to make sure those who are still eligible remain covered, Jean Kalbacher, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona, told State of Reform how the Medicaid health plan has been assisting members with the pending redetermination process.
“UnitedHealthcare’s priority is to ensure every Arizonian maintains access to high-quality, affordable health coverage through Medicaid or other health coverage options, such as Individual and Family or employer-sponsored plans,” Kalbacher said.
Kalbacher emphasized some of the steps AHCCCS is taking to inform members, such as making sure mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses connected to accounts are up to date, and checking their mailbox for and responding to any requests from AHCCCS about obtaining more information.
“We are taking an active role in Medicaid renewals by working closely with our state partners, pharmacies, retailers, providers and community organizations to educate the public,” Kalbacher said. “We are also communicating to our members through multiple avenues including direct mail, text messages, social media, phone calls, emails, and news media.”
The Consolidated Appropriations Act passed last year requires all states to implement 12 months of continuous eligibility for children in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program by Jan. 1st, 2024. Arizona is one of 18 states that has yet to implement this provision.
If members are no longer eligible for Medicaid, they will receive a notice from AHCCCS regarding when enrollment will end. Those who lose Medicaid coverage are encouraged to visit the Healthcare Marketplace to view health insurance options. AHCCCS also recommends calling 2-1-1 to access local resources.