Arkansas Removes Over 70,000 Medicaid Beneficiaries Post-Pandemic
Following the conclusion of the pandemic health emergency, Arkansas has commenced disenrollment procedures, leading to the removal of more than 70,000 Medicaid beneficiaries from the state’s rolls. This significant development has raised questions about the reasons behind these disenrollments and what beneficiaries can do if they believe their case was closed in error.
Medicaid Disenrollment in August
The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) reported that a total of 72,519 people were removed from the state’s Medicaid program in August. As of September 1, Arkansas had 877,544 Medicaid patients, including children, ARHOME participants, and other adults.
Reasons for Disenrollment
The majority of disenrollments in August, affecting 46,988 cases, occurred because enrollees failed to return renewal forms or provide the required information. Other disenrollments were due to clients’ household income exceeding the limit, clients no longer meeting program standards, or clients requesting closure. Some participants may have been aware that they were no longer eligible and chose not to return renewals.
End of the Pandemic Health Emergency
The U.S. federal government’s coronavirus Public Health Emergency officially ended on April 1. During the pandemic health emergency, states were prohibited from disenrolling individuals from Medicaid. However, following its conclusion, states had the authority to evaluate and adjust Medicaid enrollments.
Total Number of Beneficiaries Removed
According to the latest DHS report, the state has removed a total of 373,906 people from Medicaid as of now.
Seeking Reopened Coverage
Beneficiaries who believe their case has been closed in error can visit AR.gov/Cover to find information on how to request the reopening of their coverage. For assistance, they can contact 855-372-1084 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. Alternatively, they can submit inquiries via the Access Anywhere form at AR.gov/AccessAnywhere or visit AR.gov/Renew for additional information.
FAQs about Arkansas Medicaid Review Leads To Disenrollment Of Over 70,000 Patients In August
1. Why were over 70,000 Medicaid beneficiaries removed from Arkansas’ rolls?
Most disenrollments occurred because beneficiaries failed to return renewal forms or provide required information.
2. Can beneficiaries whose coverage was closed in error seek reopening?
Yes, beneficiaries can visit AR.gov/Cover for information on how to request the reopening of their coverage.
3. What caused the recent surge in Medicaid disenrollment in Arkansas?
The conclusion of the pandemic health emergency allowed states to evaluate and adjust Medicaid enrollments, leading to a significant removal of beneficiaries.
4. Are there any exceptions to the disenrollment reasons mentioned?
Other disenrollments may occur if a client’s household income exceeds the limit, they no longer meet program standards, or they request closure.
