250,000 Kentuckians could lose Medicaid coverage this spring. What to know ahead of time

"Disastrous" outcomes could be in the cards for Kentuckians who lose health insurance after the state begins to redetermine who is eligible for Medicaid this spring, according to Family Health Centers CEO Bart Irwin.

An estimated 250,000 Kentucky residents could lose medical coverage via Medicaid, a joint federal- and state-run health care program that ensures about 1.7 million people across the commonwealth, after the state starts to reevaluate who is eligible for the program, according to Ashley Shoemaker, director of outreach and enrollment at Family Health Centers. She told Louisville Metro Board of Health members at Wednesday's meeting that reevaluations are set to begin on April 1.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government paused eligibility redeterminations for those already enrolled in the program, Shoemaker said Thursday. For the last two years, it didn't matter if you moved or your income increased – you'd still be covered. States now have 12 months to return to normal Medicaid operations.

The number of Medicaid patients seen by Family Health Centers increased by about 5% in the past two years, Irwin said, adding significantly to the group's income. Now, however, Family Health Centers estimates 42,000 people in Jefferson County could lose Medicaid coverage following the redetermination period.

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The group's loss of Medicaid patients will have a ripple effect on operations, Irwin said.

The center, which gets about 66% of its income from Medicaid, served about 43,000 total patients last year, with just over 9,000 covered by Medicaid. It used the more than $2 million it received from Medicaid to provide services to uninsured folks. Family Health Centers is one of only three facilities in the city that provide low-cost or free medical, dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services to uninsured patients.

Without the extra income from Medicaid, Irwin said, Family Health Centers won't be able to provide those services at the same volume as it could during the pandemic.

Shoemaker said it's "vital" to get people enrolled for coverage. It can save lives, she said.

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"Health insurance is what gives you a foot in the door for a lot of our health care system in the United States," she said. "So if someone does not have health insurance, they may have trouble getting medication, seeing a specialist (or) getting the follow-up care that they need." Even if they do have insurance, patients can be saddled with "astronomical" medical bills, Shoemaker added.

Patients who will no longer receive Medicaid may still be eligible for a qualified health plan under the Affordable Care Act, Shoemaker said.

The Biden Administration has previously extended the Public Health Emergency issued during the pandemic by 90 days a time, which prevented the center from planning further ahead. Now, though, Shoemaker said looking ahead to maintain or find coverage is critical.

How can I prevent losing health insurance from Medicaid?

Family Health Centers is working to pinpoint patients who are likely to lose coverage, Shoemaker said. The outreach team is using available information to reach patients who are at risk in the meantime, but other steps can be taken to prevent loss of coverage.

Medicaid patients should be sure to keep contact information with the program updated to ensure they know when their determination will take place, Shoemaker said. Information can be updated through the online portal at kynect.ky.gov or over the phone at 1-855-459-6328.

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What happens if I lose coverage through Medicaid?

Some people who lose coverage through Medicaid may be eligible for the state's qualified health plans under the Affordable Care Act. In addition, payment assistance may be available to help offset the cost of premiums included in those plans, Shoemaker said.

Shoemaker also encouraged people who are employed to check if insurance programs are available throught their workplace.

Family Health Centers, Park Duvalle Community Health Centers and Shawnee Christian Healthcare Center are the city's three qualified health centers that provide low-cost or free services to uninsured patients, according to Irwin.

Contact reporter Rae Johnson at RNJohnson@gannett.com. Follow them on Twitter at @RaeJ_33.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Medicaid redetermination could end coverage for many in Kentucky