From the ACE TA Center Listserv
CMS announces Special Enrollment Period (SEP) extension to help people stay covered during Medicaid and CHIP renewals
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced last week [3/28/24] that they will be extending a temporary SEP to help people who are no longer eligible for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) transition to Marketplace coverage. This extended SEP is only available in states using HealthCare.gov, however states with state-based Marketplaces may adopt similar extensions.
The end date of this “Unwinding SEP” is now extended to November 30, 2024, which will help more people who are disenrolled from Medicaid or CHIP secure affordable, comprehensive coverage until the next Open Enrollment period starts on November 1st. For more information about the “Unwinding SEP,” check out the resources below.
Resources
- CMS press release: HHS Takes Additional Actions to Help People Stay Covered During Medicaid and CHIP Renewals (CMS.gov)
- New addendum to SEP FAQ announcing extension (Medicaid.gov)
- Original unwinding SEP FAQ guidance (CMS.gov)
In addition, CMS released new guidance and other resources to help protect coverage:
- Guidance on unwinding processes and tools for states reinforcing important federal renewal requirements that states must follow, developed in response to questions from both states and partners;
- Guidance to Medicaid managed care plans on completing signatures for enrollees so plans can help more people renew coverage; and
- New resources for partners to help families navigate their state Medicaid fair-hearing process, such as if someone was determined no longer eligible for Medicaid.
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