As we welcome Spring and warmer weather, we also see the end of a Public Health Emergency (PHE) declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This declaration brought with it several changes to public benefit programs – including Medicaid and the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP).  

One of the biggest changes for those with Medicaid and CHIP coverage was continuous enrollment – this means that for more than 3 years, individuals have not had to renew or re-enroll in coverage and states could not remove anyone from these programs, even if they no longer meet eligibility for the program. This continuous enrollment will soon be coming to an end for Kentuckians as the PHE ends on May 11, 2023.  

In Kentucky, the process of ending continuous enrollment and returning to the normal renewal process will take place over the course of 12 months beginning May 1st. After that date, some Medicaid members who have continuously received benefits during the Public Health Emergency may be at risk of losing Medicaid if they are no longer eligible.  

The Department for Medicaid Services’ (DMS) goals are to reduce unnecessary loss of coverage for those who are eligible and to support those who are no longer eligible in obtaining alternative coverage. DMS will make efforts to verify eligibility using available data before asking members to submit documentation.  

As Medicaid renewals resume, DMS will notify members about 60 days in advance of their renewal date through multiple forms of communication, including letters, text, and email. Medicaid members can take these important steps to ensure they do not unnecessarily lose coverage: 

  • Keep their contact information updated through their account in kynect. 
  • Check for any letters, emails, or messages from Medicaid about their renewal status. 
  • Log into kynect and complete all steps for their renewal. 

DMS has launched a website that covers frequently asked questions and what to do if something has changed making an individual no longer eligible for Medicaid – like an increase in their income. Visit MedicaidUnwinding.Ky.govto view all information and resources regarding Medicaid renewals and the unwinding of the Public Health Emergency.