Medicaid recipients may see loss of coverage as recertification process resumes

North Carolina will soon resume a Medicaid recertification process. A change at the federal level could lead to coverage termination or a reduction in benefits for some residents.

Federal regulations that began during COVID-19 required states to maintain Medicaid benefits for nearly all those who receive it, even if there were changes to eligibility status. But what has been known as “Medicaid continuous coverage” is set to expire on March 31, 2023.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says it will resume a recertification process in April. According to a news release, the return of eligibility requirements could mean up to 300,000 North Carolinians may lose full health care coverage or see a benefits reduction. Officials say most terminations wouldn’t happen until July, but some people could lose coverage as early as May 1.

NC Medicaid officials say they are working with County Departments of Social Services to raise awareness of the changes and advise residents on alternative health coverage options.

They say current beneficiaries should look for a letter from their local DSS and follow instructions and deadlines to avoid gaps in coverage.

Any questions can be directed to those local DSS offices.