The number of Georgians removed from Medicaid has now reached 596,994 as the state, along with others, continues to drop beneficiaries who no longer meet the qualifications.
This figure is expected to rise further as the process of requalifying recipients continues for at least a couple more months. Among those dropped, 504,000 were due to missing paperwork, highlighting concerns that many who still need and qualify for Medicaid may be overlooked due to bureaucratic issues.
Georgia ranks among the 10 worst states in the nation for Medicaid dis-enrollments, with 84% of those losing coverage being kicked off for paperwork discrepancies, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). The majority of Medicaid beneficiaries in Georgia are children, making up 56% of enrollees as of 2019, according to KFF.
The pandemic temporarily halted the requirement for Medicaid recipients to update their paperwork, leading to a significant increase in enrollees. However, last year, all states were instructed by the federal government to recertify Medicaid recipients and remove those who no longer qualify or fail to complete the necessary paperwork. While states were given over a year to complete this process, the task has proven challenging, prompting a pause on disenrollments for children as of January 1.
State officials acknowledge the difficulties in reaching all Medicaid enrollees, citing changes in contact information and the overwhelming burden of the reevaluation process. Efforts to hire additional caseworkers to handle applications have been made, but challenges persist.
Despite these efforts, the consequences of Medicaid disenrollments are significant, with families facing uncertainty and barriers to essential healthcare services. Dr. Hugo Scornik, a pediatrician, describes how families struggle to afford medications and necessary care for their children after losing Medicaid coverage due to bureaucratic issues.
While some individuals may transition to other coverage options, such as Affordable Care Act private health insurance, concerns remain about the overall impact on Medicaid enrollment. Matthew Buettgens, a policy expert, predicts a significant decrease in Medicaid coverage in Georgia, highlighting the volatile nature of income eligibility for healthcare assistance.
To ensure continued Medicaid coverage, recipients are advised to renew their eligibility status annually and keep their contact information updated. Resources are available for enrollees to seek assistance with appeals or other issues related to Medicaid renewal.If you have been denied, you can request an appeal called a “fair hearing”, but you must do so within a certain time period. Those who believe they are still eligible but have been denied should contact attorneys at Georgia Legal Aid or Atlanta Legal Services for help.