The end of the COVID-19 pandemic could mean changes in healthcare coverage for millions of Americans brought on by changes in eligibility rules for Medicaid.

During the pandemic, the standard federal practice of verifying people’s Medicaid eligibility was put on hold, ensuring no one would lose Medicaid coverage when COVID was at its peak. That same practice applied to those enrolled in state Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP).

With the pandemic over, those verification rules have been reinstated, and more than 15 million Medicaid beneficiaries—including 6.7 million children—are projected to move out of the program as states begin this “redetermination” process.

If you or your family receive Medicaid (commonly called Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania) or CHIP coverage, here is some important information you need to know:

• Make sure your phone number, email, and mailing address are up to date with your state’s human services agency. In Pennsylvania, you can update your information through COMPASS and sign up for text or email alerts to get information faster when it is your time to renew.

• Watch for mail, emails, and texts from your state about your Medicaid or CHIP coverage and respond if requested. It’s important that you complete and return any renewal forms by their due dates.

• If you are deemed no longer eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, there are other coverage options available through the individual health insurance marketplace. In Pennsylvania, you can use Pennie®, Pennsylvania’s official health and dental insurance marketplace, to shop for plans available in your area and learn about financial assistance to help pay for coverage and/or out-of-pocket costs.

Whether you are looking for coverage for yourself or your family, Capital Blue Cross can help. We have both online and in-person resources to help you determine what type of coverage is best and most affordable.