Looks like we got ourselves some fresh news about them changes happenin’ with Medicaid in Arkansas. So, y’all grab your sweet tea and let’s dive right in!
Now, listen up, darlin’. The Arkansas Department of Human Services has been workin’ hard to unwind the Medicaid rolls since the end of the continuous coverage requirement that was in place during the Public Health Emergency. And let me tell ya, things are movin’ along swiftly.
During the first month of this unwinding process, which started on April 1, they closed a whopping 72,802* cases. Can you believe it? Some of them cases included 44,667 beneficiaries whose coverage had been extended due to them special eligibility rules during the PHE. The other 28,135 cases were closed as part of the regular operations, just like in the good ol’ days before the pandemic.
Now, hold on to your bonnet, ’cause here’s a little comparison for ya. Back in 2018 and 2019, before this whole mess started, they were disenrolling ’round about 25,000 folks each month. But with these new changes, things are a-changin’, and more folks are havin’ their coverage renewed under them normal eligibility rules. In fact, in April alone, 61,236 beneficiaries had their coverage renewed after confirmatin’ their eligibility.
The Department of Human Services is doin’ this to make sure them Medicaid resources go to the folks who truly need ’em. They’re workin’ hard to disenroll individuals who ain’t eligible no more, and they’ll keep on doin’ it in the comin’ months as this unwinding process goes on. And let me tell ya, honey, it’s important to note that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Arkansas’s Medicaid rolls grew by more than 230,000 beneficiaries. But as they reevaluate eligibility, the total enrollment is expected to keep on declining. They’re gonna keep us posted with monthly updates on them numbers.
Now, if you think you’ve been disenrolled in error, don’t you fret, darlin’. You can appeal the determination and make your voice heard. And if you were disenrolled ’cause you didn’t respond or provide the requested information, you still got a chance to get back on track. Just provide that information now, and they’ll reinstate your coverage. You can find all the additional information you need at ar.gov/renew.
And hey, listen here, if you’re no longer eligible for Medicaid, don’t you go despairin’. There are other avenues for you to get the health care you need. You can check out employer-based insurance or head on over to the federal health care marketplace. For all the juicy details on them marketplace plans, just hop on over to healthcare.gov.
The Department of Human Services has been preppin’ for this moment for over a year, bless their hearts. They’ve been makin’ calls, meetin’ with providers, partners, and stakeholders
all over the state, and runnin’ awareness campaigns to make sure we’re all in the know. They even hired more staff to handle renewals and answer our questions. Ain’t that somethin’?
If you’re a beneficiary and need a helpin’ hand, you can visit ar.gov/accessanywhere or give ’em a call at 855-372-1084. They’re here to lend a friendly ear and guide you through this process, darlin’.
Stay informed, and keep an eye on them changes happenin’ with Medicaid in Arkansas.
