What to Do If You're Losing Medicaid

Millions of Americans rely on Medicaid for their healthcare, but in recent years many have received letters saying they no longer qualify. This can feel overwhelming—after all, your health coverage is essential.

The good news? You still have options. If you’re losing Medicaid, there are several steps you can take to make sure you stay protected and covered.

Losing Medicaid can feel overwhelming—but you still have options for coverage.

Why People Lose Medicaid

Medicaid eligibility is based on income, household size, and state rules. Common reasons people lose coverage include:

• Earning more than the income limit

• Changes in household (marriage, divorce, children aging out)

• Not completing the yearly renewal paperwork

• Aging into Medicare eligibility (turning 65)

👉 If you recently received a notice, don’t panic—you may still qualify for other affordable health insurance options.

Step 1: Review Your Notice Carefully

If you’ve been told you’re losing Medicaid, the first step is to read the letter in detail. Sometimes coverage is only ending because paperwork wasn’t completed on time. Other times, it’s due to income or household changes.

📌 Tip: If it’s just a paperwork issue, you may be able to reapply or appeal immediately.

Step 2: Explore Marketplace Health Insurance

If you no longer qualify for Medicaid, you may be eligible for ACA Marketplace health insurance. Losing Medicaid triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which means you don’t have to wait until open enrollment to sign up.

Better yet, many people qualify for premium subsidies that make Marketplace plans very affordable—sometimes as little as $0 per month.

Step 3: If You’re 65 or Older, Review Your Medicare Plan

If Medicaid is ending, then there is a good chance that you will need to review your current Medicare plan. Members who have Medicaid and Medicare are consider dual eligible and are often enrolled in a Dual Special Needs Medicare Advantage Plan (DSNP).

However, if you lose Medicaid and do not change to a traditional Medicare advantage plan then you could be liable for large out of pocket expenses that you are not used to seeing.

💡 At Mountaineer Health and Life, we can review your situation to make sure you are in the right plan to fit your needs and situation!

Step 4: Consider Short-Term or Supplemental Plans

If you don’t qualify for subsidies or Medicare yet, short-term health insurance or supplemental coverage could help bridge the gap. These plans are not long-term solutions, but they can provide protection against major medical bills.

Step 5: Get Help Choosing the Right Option

Health insurance can feel confusing—especially when your Medicaid coverage suddenly ends. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. A licensed agent can explain your options, check for subsidies, and help you enroll in the best plan for your needs and budget.

If you’re dual eligible, Special Enrollment Periods can help you switch to coverage that better fits your needs.

Don’t Go Without Coverage

Losing Medicaid doesn’t mean losing healthcare. With the right guidance, you can transition into a new plan that protects your health and your finances.

👉 Need help reviewing your options? That’s exactly what we do at Mountaineer Health & Life Insurance. Our help is always free, and our advice is personal to your situation.

📞 Call or Text - 304-989-5809

📧 Email us - info@mountaineerhealthandlife.com

🌐 Request an appointment - Click Here!