What Broward families need to know about the end of pandemic-related Medicaid coverage

Medicaid is a federally funded program that provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the federal government guaranteed continuous coverage for all individuals enrolled in Medicaid. As a result, Medicaid enrollment increased by 30% nationwide, covering an additional 20 million people. In Florida, that number grew from 3.8 million to 5.5 million. Sadly, 67% of all children in Florida depend on Medicaid for their health care.

The federal government announced the end of that continuous coverage period, starting April 1. Here in Broward, there may be more than 200,000 children at risk of losing their health coverage as a result.

Nan Rich is vice mayor of Broward County and chair of the Coordinating Council of Broward.

It is critical that eligible recipients ensure that their information is up to date with Medicaid, as they risk becoming disqualified if that information is not confirmed. We advise everyone receiving Medicaid to watch their mailbox for redetermination notifications from the Florida Department of Children and Family Services (DCF).

If you are still eligible for Medicaid coverage and DCF can renew it automatically, you will receive an approval letter once it has been renewed. If DCF cannot renew your coverage automatically, they will send a notice for you to reapply. This requires prompt action on the part of the enrollee, or they may lose their coverage.

This “disenrolling” has already begun in other states, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Nationwide, and here in Broward County, most disenrollments will likely occur between June and July.

Broward County is working with our health care partners, hospitals and the faith-based community to get the word out about these important changes.

The Children’s Services Council of Broward County, the Coordinating Council of Broward, the Florida Department of Health in Broward, the School District and Broward County’s Human Services Department are working together to help our residents maintain their coverage as the federal government returns the program to its pre-pandemic requirements for an annual eligibility review.

Please take a moment to visit the county’s website at Broward.org/Medicaid for a comprehensive list of links to important information and alternative health care options.

While Broward County has no direct role in Medicaid services, we feel an obligation to bring attention to these changes that will impact some of our most vulnerable citizens. The website displays the most important links to federal, state and county agencies that can assist you and your loved ones with your coverage or direct you to other subsidized programs that may help you during these financially challenging and changing times.

Nan Rich is the vice mayor of Broward County.

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