THE ASPIRE BLOG

Since the start of the COVID pandemic, the U.S. and state of Indiana have operated under the declaration of a Public Health Emergency (PHE) that eased some rules on how people on Medicaid can receive healthcare. While COVID cases are still occurring, the government is expected to end the PHE sometime in the new year.

Federal agencies are required to give a 60-day notice to end the emergency declaration, and declined to do so in November – meaning the earliest PHE could end would be January. But now is a good time to alert patients and providers to be on the lookout for a mailing from the federal Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) that will contain vital information about what will change post-PHE. 

Approximately 25% of current Aspire Indiana Health patients on Medicaid are expected to be affected – potentially including their continued Medicaid eligibility. Some Hoosiers who might otherwise have discontinued receiving Medicaid benefits through the regular annual ‘redeterminations’ during PHE could find themselves disenrolled after it ends. 

States will have 12 months post-PHE to return to normal operations. Individuals who have continued to meet all eligibility requirements during the federal PHE will be subject to regular rules after the PHE ends. This includes responding to ongoing verification requests when there is a change in the person’s circumstances, such as an increase in income.

If you or a loved one are currently receiving Medicaid, be on the lookout for one of these verification requests from FSSA with updated information they need to provide. They will only have 30 days to respond or lose their Medicaid benefits.. This includes if they are on one of Indiana Medicaid’s health coverage programs, such as Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Healthwise and Hoosier Care Connect.

While you are waiting on that mailler, we encourage you to visit FSSABenefits.IN.gov and login (or create a new account) to check on the status of your Medicaid benefits, or call (800) 403-0864.