Have You Re-Enroll Medicare and Medicaid to Save Money

Last Updated on November 5, 2023 by SPN Editor

Americans must re-enroll Medicare and Medicaid the health insurance plans, but it’s important not to miss out on potential savings or risk losing health coverage if you don’t take action. With open enrollment for Medicare and Medicaid currently underway, it’s especially crucial to re-enroll Medicare and Medicaid recipients to confirm their eligibility.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra emphasizes that during the pandemic, people were automatically re-enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid. However, even those who still qualify need to re-enroll medicare to maintain their coverage.

“A lot of folks aren’t realizing they have to reapply,” Becerra warns. “We don’t want them to lose their insurance under Medicaid if they still qualify.”

If someone discovers they no longer qualify, Becerra assures that they are likely eligible for a low-cost Affordable Care Act plan, where they may pay no more than $10 a month in premiums.

For existing Medicare recipients, automatic re-enrollment is in place. Nonetheless, Dr. Meena Seshamani, the director of the Center for Medicare, points out that failing to compare plans on medicare.gov might result in missing out on cost savings or improved healthcare options.

Furthermore, recent legislative changes have introduced additional savings for seniors through Medicare prescription plans, particularly for individuals with high-cost drugs.

“Starting January 1, 2024, for people with high-cost drugs, once they reach the high-cost phase, they will no longer have to pay anything out of pocket,” Seshamani explains.

You can find CHIP programs by state by visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace website. If you qualify for CHIP, your information will be sent to your state agency, and they will reach out to you about enrollment.

Re-enroll Medicare to save money

Re-enrolling in Medicare allows individuals to access various Medicare Savings Programs, which can help cover expenses like premiums, copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and prescription drug costs.

Medicare Savings Programs are federally funded initiatives designed to assist individuals with limited income and resources. Eligibility varies, and you can check if you qualify based on your income. Recent laws have introduced additional savings for seniors with high-cost prescription drugs.

Starting January 1, 2024, individuals with high-cost drugs may no longer need to pay out-of-pocket expenses during the high-cost phase.

How can I find a CHIP program in my state?

You can locate CHIP programs in your state by visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace website, where your information will be sent to your state agency for enrollment.

To get started, create an account on the Health Insurance Marketplace website, enter your ZIP code, and complete the application, providing necessary details. If your household qualifies for CHIP, your state agency will contact you.

If you are looking to re-enroll Medicare and Medicaid health insurance programs in the US, here are some steps you can take to save money:

Apply for Marketplace insurance

You can generally re-enroll Medicare in a Marketplace plan during the Open Enrollment Period. However, certain life events may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period. For Medicaid and CHIP, enrollment is open year-round.

If you don’t qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, you can apply for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Open Enrollment begins on November 1, and you can preview available health plans in advance, so you’re ready to enroll on November 1. You can also check if you qualify for savings on health insurance premiums through the Health Insurance Marketplace based on your income.

Update your application while Re-Enroll Medicare

If you are already enrolled in a Marketplace plan, you will be automatically re-enrolled in the same plan if you don’t take any action by December 15. However, to ensure you receive the savings you qualify for and have a plan that suits your needs, it’s recommended that you log into your Marketplace account and update your application. Review available plans and select one that meets your specific requirements.

Options to apply for Marketplace health insurance

• The fastest way is to log in (or create an account) on the HealthCare.gov website to get started. Simply enter your ZIP code to access a list of local individuals and organizations that can assist you in applying for coverage.
• You can also apply online through the Health Insurance Marketplace by visiting the HealthCare.gov website. During the application process, you will need to provide your ZIP code, identification information, household income, and the age and gender of each person requiring coverage.
• If you prefer, you can call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 to apply for coverage over the phone.
• Another option is to apply for coverage in person by visiting a trained and certified assister or agent in your local area. To find local help, visit the HealthCare.gov website.

You can generally re-enroll in a Marketplace plan only during the Open Enrollment Period, unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. However, you can enroll in Medicaid or CHIP at any time.

Check if you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP

Find out if you are eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which offers free or low-cost health coverage to millions of Americans, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Your eligibility is determined based on your income.

You have multiple options for applying for Marketplace health insurance, including online application, phone application, and in-person assistance. Choose the method that best suits your preferences and needs.

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of re-enrolling Medicare and Medicaid in health insurance programs?

Re-enrolling ensures that you maintain access to affordable health coverage and can save on healthcare costs.
2. Who should consider re-enrolling in health insurance programs?

Individuals who are already enrolled in programs like Medicare and Medicaid or those looking for affordable health coverage options should consider re-enroll Medicare.

3. When is the open enrollment period for health insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid?

The open enrollment period typically starts on November 1. Specific dates may vary, so it’s essential to check for the current year’s schedule.

4. Who is eligible for Medicaid and CHIP programs?

Eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP is based on various factors, including income, family size, and specific criteria. Low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and individuals with disabilities may qualify.

5. How can I check if I qualify for Medicaid or CHIP based on my income?

You can determine your eligibility for these programs by reviewing income guidelines provided by your state’s health department or online resources.

6. What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?

The Health Insurance Marketplace is a platform where you can apply for health insurance coverage, compare plans, and find options that suit your needs and budget.

7. How can I apply for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace?

To apply for Marketplace insurance, visit the official website, and follow the application process, which typically involves providing your personal information and income details.

8. When can I apply for Marketplace insurance, and when does it become effective?

Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace begins on November 1, and the coverage usually becomes effective the following year. Be sure to check the specific dates for the current year.

9. Is financial assistance available for Marketplace insurance?

Depending on your income, you may qualify for financial assistance to reduce your health insurance premiums. Check your eligibility when applying.

10. Why is it important to update my Marketplace application?

Updating your application ensures that you receive any savings or benefits you may be eligible for and that your chosen plan aligns with your current needs.