Link to the University of Pittsburgh Homepage
Link to the University Library System Homepage Link to the Contact Us Form

Long-Term Modernization of Medicaid Redeterminations of Eligibility: An Analysis of State and Federal Public Policy Solutions

Hames, Erik (2022) Long-Term Modernization of Medicaid Redeterminations of Eligibility: An Analysis of State and Federal Public Policy Solutions. Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.

[img]
Preview
PDF
Download (612kB) | Preview

Abstract

The negative economic effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic coupled with a state requirement for continuous enrollee coverage through the duration of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) have caused Medicaid program enrollment to swell to record levels. When states are permitted to restart Medicaid redeterminations of eligibility at the conclusion of the PHE, most enrollees will need to renew coverage, and estimates place up to 15 million at risk of coverage loss. Over the course of the pandemic, many Medicaid program enrollees experienced a positive change in income, and thus are no longer eligible for coverage. However, millions more will be at risk for improper coverage terminations due to state procedural and administrative factors, including current staffing issues and rushed processes. Medicaid is jointly run by states and the Federal Government, and states have struggled to successfully implement the provisions related to streamlining and modernizing redeterminations procedures mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. Because of these struggles and other state barriers to redeterminations, Medicaid enrollees have traditionally faced an uphill battle to renew coverage. Renewal difficulties disproportionately affect Black and Latino populations, causing coverage loss known as “churn” and decreasing access to care. Federal and state policymakers should consider policy implementations to mitigate the negative public health effects of churn caused by the redeterminations process. One approach could be the adoption of a state facilitated enrollment and renewal program via a CMS demonstration waiver, partnering Managed Care Organizations with states to support enrollee outreach and information gathering efforts. A second option could involve state data infrastructure enhancements and adherence to best practices to improve initial enrollee eligibility verifications known as “ex parte” reviews. Finally, states should implement CMS-proposed policy and operational strategies to ensure streamlined renewals. Policymakers should be aware of unique state redeterminations procedures and recognize the political willingness of states to adopt improvements designed to coverage retention. The PHE “unwinding” presents an opportunity of public health significance to solve long-standing Medicaid redeterminations process issues and thus address key disparities in access to affordable preventative care and chronic condition treatment for America’s most vulnerable individuals.


Share

Citation/Export:
Social Networking:
Share |

Details

Item Type: Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper (Master Essay)
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Hames, ErikENH32@pitt.eduENH32
Contributors:
ContributionContributors NameEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairCole, Evanevancole@pitt.eduevancoleUNSPECIFIED
Committee MemberHawk, Marymary.hawk@pitt.edumary.hawkUNSPECIFIED
Committee MemberMuckerman, AriannaArianna.D.Muckerman@centene.comUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Date: 16 May 2022
Date Type: Completion
Number of Pages: 70
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Health Policy & Management
Degree: MHA - Master of Health Administration
Thesis Type: Master Essay
Refereed: Yes
Date Deposited: 16 May 2022 13:32
Last Modified: 16 May 2022 13:32
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/42634

Metrics

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics


Actions (login required)

View Item View Item