Ted Mermigos, Acting Director of the Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance, discussed the state’s great ‘unwinding’ – the return of yearly redetermination of eligibility. Beginning in March letters from the state started going out to recipients, confirming their address and reminding them that they will have to apply again for coverage. Failure to provide a correct address could mean loss of coverage, even if you are entitled to receive it!
He notes that with over 300,000 enrollees, they will be re-enrolling many without the application process, for example, they will assume that a resident of a nursing care facility or a child with intellectual disabilities have not changed their income or needs level and will remain on the rolls. He encourages all to check the state’s Assist Portal to confirm the address and information about your coverage is correct. Get help by calling 302-571-4900 or visit de.gov/medicaidrenewals
Medicaid furnishes medical assistance to eligible low-income families and to eligible aged, blind and/or disabled people whose income is insufficient to meet the cost of necessary medical services. Medicaid pays for: doctor visits, hospital care, labs, prescription drugs, transportation, routine shots for children, mental health and substance abuse services. Apply for Medicaid.
If you think you qualify, apply! Ted explains that there’s no penalty for applying, and if you don’t qualify the state will help you find affordable insurance. You can work and still qualify for Medicaid. You can have a car, a bank account, and a home and still qualify for Medicaid. DMMA does not look at any of your resources when determining your eligibility for Medicaid.
Ted discussed the upgrades to the prenatal and maternal coverage provided by Medicaid, it covers not only the pregnancy, but now the first year post-partum. He also reminded us of the state’s CHIP program for children who don’t qualify for Medicaid, they can get affordable insurance that covers their check-ups, vaccinations and more. To apply for Delaware Healthy Children’s Program click here.
For EVRYTHING Medicaid go to medicaid.dhss.delaware.gov