Understanding Florida’s Medicaid redetermination and renewal process
During the federal public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicaid recipients kept coverage regardless of their eligibility. Now this policy of continuous coverage is ending. Learn how the end of continuous Medicaid coverage in Florida may impact you and your family. We can help you understand how to stay covered.
Understanding Florida’s Medicaid redetermination and renewal process
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is returning to their normal process for Medicaid renewals, a process called Medicaid redeterminations or renewals. Other states across the country are doing the same beginning in 2023.
This means you may need to reapply for benefits so the state of Florida can redetermine your eligibility and you can keep Medicaid benefits. You may lose coverage if the state finds you are no longer eligible for Medicaid.
What should I do if I’m no longer eligible for continued Medicaid coverage?
When the state completes your review, you will find out if you are still eligible for continued Medicaid coverage. If you’re no longer eligible, you may still qualify for other subsidized federal health programs. If so, the Florida DCF Office will automatically send your application to other subsidized federal healthcare programs. These programs include:
- The Florida KidCare Program, which provides low-cost insurance to families with children under the age of 18.
- The Medically Needy Program, which is for individuals who are not eligible for “full” Medicaid. Participants receive Medicaid coverage after they meet a monthly “share of cost” requirement.
You can check your Medicaid eligibility with the ACCESS Florida website. If you no longer qualify for Medicaid coverage, you can purchase a health insurance plan through the ACA Marketplace.
Coverage options if you lose Medicaid coverage in FL
Check if your employer offers coverage
If you lose Medicaid coverage because of the end of continuous coverage, you can join an employer plan if that’s an option. This might be through your employer, or through the employer of your spouse or of a parent. Employer-sponsored coverage typically has a 60-day window for enrollment when you lose Medicaid coverage.
Consider Florida Marketplace coverage
Losing Medicaid coverage makes you eligible for a special enrollment period in the ACA Marketplace. That means you can find replacement coverage, without waiting for the 2024 annual enrollment period.
Savings if an employer plan is unaffordable
In some cases, even if employer-sponsored coverage is an option, it might not be your most affordable option. Use our Employer Health Plan Affordability Calculator to find out if your employer’s plan is considered “affordable” under federal policy.
Coverage through Medicare
People over the age of 65 and some younger people who have permanent disabilities are eligible for Medicare. If you’ve become eligible for Medicare since 2020 but have not enrolled because you had Medicaid, you’ll have a special enrollment period to transition to Medicare when your Medicaid ends.
Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Medicaid redeterminations and renewals
What should I do if I receive a notice of eligibility review or notice of case action?
Now that continued Medicaid coverage is ending in Florida, you may receive a notice of eligibility review or notice of case action in 2023. These notices are sent by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). If you receive a notice, read it carefully and give the state any information it needs to review your case. The state will use this information to find out if you are still eligible for Medicaid.
How do I sign up for a My ACCESS Account?
You can manage your benefits, receive notifications about your case and update your contact information at www.myflfamilies.com/myaccess with a My ACCESS account. You will need your case number to create an account. That can be found at the top of notices you receive from the Florida DCF Office. You can also find out more on the ACCESS Florida website about available assistance programs, including:
Can I request a hearing or make an appeal to keep my Florida Medicaid?
If you lose Medicaid coverage and don’t agree with the decision about your eligibility, you can ask for a fair hearing. You only have a limited time to make the request and it has to be sent in writing. Follow the instructions on the notice you get about your Medicaid eligibility.
When might I lose Medicaid coverage?
In Florida, the continuous coverage provision ended on March 31, 2023. That does not mean that your coverage may end as of that date. It simply means the state of Florida returns to its normal processes on that date. Make sure you update your contact information with the state of Florida so you can receive any notices or requests for information. You can do this online with a MyACCESS account.
Louise Norris is an individual health insurance broker who has been writing about health insurance and health reform since 2006. She has written dozens of opinions and educational pieces about the Affordable Care Act for healthinsurance.org.
