The End of the Public Health Emergency

May 11, 2023 is the official end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). It is hard to believe that it was over three years ago that the COVID-19 PHE began. As part of the PHE, states were required to stop the annual eligibility reviews of existing Medicaid beneficiaries. These were commonly known as redeterminations. As a result of the ending of the PHE, Michigan is expected to restart Medicaid eligibility renewals this month.

It is expected that redeterminations will be required in the month of original eligibility. This is the procedure that existed before the PHE. For example, if a Medicaid recipient’s renewal month is September, a renewal application will be sent in August to be processed in September. If the application is not returned or the Medicaid recipient is no longer eligible, September 30 will be the last date of coverage. For Medicaid recipients who have allowed their countable assets to exceed $2000.00 or gave away any assets during the PHE, their continued eligibility may be in jeopardy. In the meantime, to help avoid losing your Medicaid eligibility, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends:

1. Be sure your address, phone number, and email address are up to date.

2. Report any changes to your household or income.

3. If you get a renewal packet, be sure to fill it out, sign the forms, and return it by the due date with any proof needed.

Many Medicaid recipients have never completed a renewal application and it is anticipated that many will lose the Medicaid benefits either because they will fail to return the completed renewal application or in fact, are no longer eligible. To protect your loved one, make sure they are eligible and that the renewal application is timely filed.

Elder Law Today is written by Brett A. Howell, Certified Elder Law Attorney. The newsletter is published as a service of The Elder and Estate Planning Law Firm, P.L.L.C. This information is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For a consultation to address specific questions, please call (810) 953-3846.