The Families First Act of March 2020 resulted in a variety of changes to the Wisconsin Medicaid program. One of those changes protected everyone approved for Medicaid to continue those benefits through the end of the Public Health Emergency. More than two years later, the Public Health Emergency Declaration may be coming to an end.
Tips for individuals currently on any Wisconsin Medicaid program:
- Make sure Bay Lake Consortium has your current contact information, including address, phone number, and email address for online account users. The Bay Lake Consortium call center phone number is 1-888-794-5747. Online users can report changes through access.wisconsin.gov or on the MyACCESSWisconsin cellphone application.
- Most eligible members will need to complete a renewal. The State of Wisconsin Centralized Document Processing Unit (CPDU) will send notification if and when a renewal is needed. The notice will include the due date as well as information you will need to complete the renewal.
- Letters may also be sent by Medicaid plans, Medicare plans, the Department of Health Services, or other partners with reminders, updates, and information.
- People still eligible for benefits will continue to keep benefits.
- Individuals who may no longer meet the eligibility requirements for the Medicaid program they currently have may be eligible for other Medicaid programs.
- The Medicaid office automatically tests eligibility for all Medicaid programs during the renewal process.
- Anyone who believes that an error was made in the determination to decrease or terminate benefits, has the right to appeal the decision. Benefits can continue during the appeal process subject to deadlines. Watch all letters for important deadline dates.
- Health Insurance Marketplace coverage may be available to people who lose Medicaid coverage. Losing Medicaid coverage is a qualifying life event allowing people to enroll into the Marketplace plan outside of the open enrollment period.
- Medicare beneficiaries who lose Medicaid benefits may qualify for a special enrollment period to make changes in Medicare coverage options.
Benefit Specialists at ADRC can provide information and assistance with a variety of public benefit programs such as Medicaid, Social Security, and Wisconsin Senior Care. They can help with applications, denials, and claim appeals. Benefit Specialists are certified State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors who can provide unbiased Medicare counseling. Call them today at (920) 448-4300.
