Millions of Texans are in the process of having to re-enroll for Medicaid health insurance coverage after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. While the “unwinding” is causing confusion and worry among families and community organizations, a website created by Texas Care for Children and supported by EHF is helping Texans navigate the Medicaid re-enrollment process.
StayCoveredTexas.org is helping Texans know what to expect and what to do as they receive notices during the state’s Medicaid eligibility checks. The website is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
“We need all hands on deck to make sure there isn’t a huge spike in the number of uninsured kids and moms,” says Stephanie Rubin, CEO of Texans Care for Children.
In particular, the website is for moms who may lose Medicaid for Pregnant Women coverage because they are no longer eligible and need to transition to another program. The website also has important information for parents and caregivers of children who may lose Medicaid coverage because of confusion about the renewal process or because they are no longer eligible and need to transition to another program.
Right now, community health centers like HOPE Clinic in Houston are helping patients and their children renew Medicaid benefits or find other health insurance options through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Shane Chen, HOPE Clinic’s chief operating officer, recently told the Houston Chronicle that she was worried that families who lose coverage – especially children’s coverage – won’t realize they have to renew their health insurance until school begins.
“You never know when a child’s going to — God forbid — have a cold or fall or need stitches, when they really need to go see a provider,” Chen told the newspaper.
Earlier this year, a report from EHF and The Bush School at Texas A&M University found that Texas children will be at most risk for losing their health insurance during re-enrollment.
