How providers can help with health care program eligibility renewals

Background

Like all states, Minnesota has maintained health care coverage for its Medicaid enrollees during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, as a condition of the Federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the Minnesota Department of Human Services stopped verifying eligibility annually for its public health care programs. This established continuous health care coverage for Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare enrollees that lasted throughout most of the COVID-19 federal public health emergency.

At the end of 2022, Congress passed legislation requiring states to return to standard Medicaid eligibility procedures, which includes an annual eligibility review through a renewal process, in spring 2023. Restarting renewals is expected to be one of the largest collective health care changes since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

Key points
- With continuous coverage in place, enrollment in MA and MinnesotaCare grew by more than 360,000 people or more than 30 percent.
- Currently about one out of four Minnesotans is covered by these programs.
- Because of the continuous coverage requirement, many Minnesota families and individuals who currently have public health care coverage have never been through the renewal process.
- Renewal paperwork is sent only by U.S. Postal Service, so a current mailing address for members is required.
- Starting with the renewals due in July 2023, renewals will be processed in monthly batches, also referred to as cohorts. This process will run until approximately May 2024.
- More detailed background information is available on the background page of the Renew My Coverage section of the DHS website.

Help spread the word

The state needs your help in getting the word out about restarting renewals to help Minnesotans maintain their coverage. Providers have a unique and trusted relationship with members.

The importance of clear and consistent communications cannot be overstated since many Minnesota families and individuals with public health care coverage have never been through the renewal process.

Most materials are available in English as well as Hmong, Russian, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese. Visit the Renew My Coverage section for links to all partner and member resources.

Resources to help providers communicate about the unwinding process
- Key talking points when communicating to members
  - The most important thing most members can do right now is update their contact info if it has changed in the past three years.
  - A current mailing address is essential for receiving the renewal packet, which is sent by US mail.
  - It is important to understand the rolling renewal “cohort” cycle. The renewal date lookup tool is a powerful resource for members and those positioned to help them.
  - Complete, accurate and timely renewal paperwork is essential to avoid gaps in coverage.
- Partner talking points: Level-setting facts and a media toolkit
- Address update communications toolkit: Messaging resources about updating contact information
- Renewals communications toolkit: Messaging resources about the renewal process
- Renewal timeline: Information about the timing related to renewal cohorts
- Renewal dashboard: Data about renewals and enrollment, updated regularly
- MHCP Provider Manual
Resources for providers to share with members

Questions or feedback?

Contact the MHCP Provider Resource Center at 651-431-2700 or 800-366-5411.

Please note, this page will be updated with additional resources and new information as it becomes available in the coming weeks. Add it to your bookmarks!