SUFFOLK, Va. - The federal COVID public health emergency (PHE) is set to expire in April, but federal officials have indicated it will likely be extended.
If the public health emergency does expire, those people on Medicaid will have to re-enroll for the first time since 2019. During the pandemic, coverage was automatically continued.
Tim Davis enrolled in Medicaid in November 2021. He said it would be devastating to lose his benefits, as he has a rare blood disorder that requires specialists.
“Doctor visits after doctor visits after doctor visits," Davis said. "I just got Medicaid this last year, finding out I was eligible for it, but before then it was nothing.”
Federal officials have indicated that they will give states at least 60 days notice before the public health emergency ends.
During that time, Medicaid representatives will be reaching out to patients, so it's important your contact information is current.
There are appeal rights available for individuals who lose coverage.
For more information on how you can re-enroll in Medicaid, click here. Residents of Virginia can also call 1-855-242-8282.
