Medicaid Unwinding

Louisiana residents could lose their current Medicaid or CHIP coverage through a process called “unwinding” beginning April 1, 2023.

‍What is Medicaid Unwinding? 

‍States are beginning to check for enrollees' eligibility for Medicaid for the first time in three years. Over 2 million people in Louisiana receive health benefits from Medicaid. The federal government restricted states from removing people from Medicaid at the start of the pandemic, even if they were no longer eligible to receive benefits. Prior to the pandemic, subscribers would frequently lose their coverage if their income increased to an amount that disqualified them from the program. The process of dropping now non-eligible members is called "Medicaid Unwinding."

‍Who might lose coverage and when?

‍The state estimates between 280,000 and 350,000 people will be dropped over the next 12 months, depending on their financial eligibility. The program is focusedon assisting low-and-moderate income residents.

‍How will I be notified? 

‍The state of Louisiana will begin sending letters to all Medicaid enrollees beginning April 1st in an attempt to verify their contact information ahead of the disenrollment process that will take place over the next year as federal COVID-19 protections come to an end. Keep an eye out for a pink color arriving by mail.

‍Pink letter

‍Members who receive a pink piece of paper do not need to do anything additional. Keep an eye out for more information by mail and respond accordingly.

‍Updating your contact information

‍People who have had changes to their income may be jeopardized by losing their Medicaid benefits. People who do not update their contact information through the Department of Health may be booted from the program.

‍https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXje6VS1kNw‍

‍Southeast Community Health Systems will host weekend appointments to help you update your contact information. Please call to schedule your visit.