Medicaid Unwinding, also known as Medicaid Disenrollment, refers to the process of reviewing and determining individuals’ eligibility for Medicaid insurance. This process has gained increased attention due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent changes in Medicaid coverage regulations.
We understand the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare services for our clients. As part of our commitment to your well-being, we want to remind you to take advantage of the resources available to you. Specifically, we encourage you to go online to the official website of the Florida Department of Children and Families at https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/ to check your Medicaid coverage and enrollment.
At Seasons Psychotherapy Associates, we believe that mental health care should be accessible to everyone. We recognize the financial challenges that individuals and families may face when seeking therapy services. That’s why we want to ensure that you are aware of the benefits and assistance programs that you may be eligible for.
We are seeing numerous clients get disenrolled from their Medicaid plans without their knowledge and we know this can be very distressing. Many people may have moved and not received the postcards in the mail about Medicaid redetermination.
What is Medicaid Unwinding
When the pandemic began in March 2020, the government recognized the importance of ensuring people could access necessary medical care. To address this, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) allocated additional funding to states, including Florida, to support Medicaid programs. This funding allowed Florida to extend Medicaid coverage for individuals until the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), even if they technically did not meet the regular eligibility criteria.
However, the landscape of Medicaid coverage changed with the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) passed in December 2022. Under the CAA, the FFCRA was modified, and continuous Medicaid coverage would now conclude on March 31, 2023, instead of aligning with the end of the ongoing PHE. This change means that individuals who were previously covered by Medicaid under the temporary provisions of the FFCRA will undergo a review process to determine their ongoing eligibility for Medicaid insurance.
In Florida, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is responsible for conducting the Medicaid Unwinding process. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate each person’s eligibility and determine whether they will continue to qualify for Medicaid coverage. While the eligibility review typically takes place annually, the extended timeframe since the start of the pandemic means that the process will likely be more complex and time-consuming.
Starting on April 1, 2023, DCF began reviewing individuals’ Medicaid insurance eligibility. During this period, it is crucial for Medicaid recipients in Florida to be aware of the process and stay updated with accurate information from verified sources specific to the state. If you failed to complete the Medicaid renewal process by April 30, 2023, your Medicaid coverage may be terminated. We encourage you to reach out to DCF for more information. Additionally, the first group of individuals who are no longer eligible for Medicaid will also face termination on the same date.
The entire Medicaid Unwinding process, including the review of eligibility and the subsequent termination of coverage for ineligible individuals, is anticipated to be completed by April 2024. As this process unfolds, it is essential for individuals relying on Medicaid insurance to stay informed, engage with the necessary paperwork, and follow the guidelines provided by the Florida Department of Children and Families to ensure continuity of healthcare coverage.
What you should do now
Seasons Psychotherapy Associates encourages all of our Medicaid clients to take a few moments to visit the DCF Access website and familiarize yourself with the resources available to you. By checking your Medicaid coverage and enrollment, you can gain peace of mind knowing that you have access to the mental and physical health services you need. This simple step can help you take control of your healthcare journey and make informed decisions about your well-being.
We encourage all clients that may have already lost coverage, or have coverage that will expire soon, to seek alternative healthcare options for the future.
Seasons Psychotherapy Associates offers a low-cost program for those that may benefit from continued treatment. Check out our resources page for other low cost options as well.
Losing Medicaid coverage can have a significant impact on individuals’ mental health care access, making healthcare insurance even more crucial. Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, and having insurance coverage can help ensure individuals have the necessary support and resources to address their mental health needs.
Healthcare insurance provides access to mental health services, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care. Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, require professional attention and treatment. With insurance coverage, individuals can seek therapy sessions or consultations with mental health professionals without the worry of incurring unaffordable out-of-pocket expenses.
Another significant benefit of healthcare insurance for mental health is access to a wider network of mental health providers. Insurance plans typically have a network of providers, including therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, who specialize in different areas of mental health. This network allows individuals to choose a provider that best fits their specific needs and preferences, ensuring personalized and effective mental health care. Seasons Psychotherapy Associates is an in-network provider with most State Medicaid Managed Care plans as well as most commercial insurance plans in the state of Florida.
Furthermore, healthcare insurance often covers mental health programs and interventions that promote overall wellness and resilience. This can include coverage for stress management programs, substance abuse treatment, and support groups. Access to these resources can greatly benefit individuals facing mental health challenges, providing them with the necessary tools to cope with their conditions and work towards recovery. By having insurance coverage, individuals can prioritize their mental well-being, receive necessary treatment, and access resources that support their journey towards better mental health.
Your mental health matters to us, and we want to empower you to make informed choices about your well-being. Visit https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/ today to make sure that you have the information you need to ensure continued healthcare coverage.
Helpful Links:
Florida Health Justice Project
Kaiser Family Foundation article: What Do the Early Medicaid Unwinding Data Tell Us?