For some people, Medicaid can be a lifesaver, but for others it’s something that they want to get out of–and quick. For starters, let’s address what exactly Medicaid is.
Medicaid isn’t an insurance program. It’s an assistance program. This means that the government administered this coverage for people who are in need, either because of financial hardship or because of disability. When you’re in those positions, being on Medicaid can be a wonderful step up, but it also has its drawbacks.
Here are some Medicaid termination reasons.
#1. You’re Making Too Much Money
Medicaid is a program that you have to qualify for based on your income as it relates to your family size. You may qualify for Medicaid during periods of unemployment or underemployment. Older people who have no savings and are living on a single social security check may need to rely on Medicaid for their care.
But if you’re looking to make more money–if you get a job that gets you out of that low bracket where you’re qualified–then you’re going to want a different kind of insurance. For many people, that insurance may be a health plan through their new employer, but for others it may be a private insurance plan.
While millions of people enroll in Medicaid, the coverage must end when your income exceeds the limits placed on it by the state.
#2. You Move to a New State
Medicaid is not a federal program, but a state-run program, and every state manages their Medicaid programs differently. While you might qualify for this type of coverage in one state, there’s a chance that when you move to another state you will lose your coverage. Consequently, when moving from one state to another many people choose to look for private health insurance programs, or look to other federal funding plans like Medicare or Medicare Advantage.
#3. You Want More Flexibility with Doctors than Medicaid Offers
Because Medicaid is run by the government, there is a lot of red tape that accompanies coverage. That means that many doctors, medical facilities and even some hospitals will not accept Medicaid. While some of these programs create incentives to get Medicaid patients seen by as many doctors as possible, moving to a different healthcare program will open up doors to you that were previously closed.
#4. States Are Planning For The End of Continuous Enrollment Requirement
Medicaid is designed to be a safety net for people who are down on their luck, and there have been suspensions of renewal paperwork or eligibility redeterminations during the pandemic of Covid-19 for states which are receiving enhanced federal funding. As things are resuming more normally in healthcare, the resumption of these eligibility redeterminations will result in people losing their eligibility status for Medicaid. States will need to determine how to approach this change post-pandemic, and so you may need to prepare for a change in your coverage. For those experiencing canceling of their Medicaid, it’s time to look for other affordable health care solutions.
Whatever Your Reason For Getting Off Medicaid, There Are Options
For more information about getting off of Medicaid and switching to a Medicare program, contact us today.
