Medicaid Coverage at Risk in 2025: 15 Million Face Re-Enrollment Deadline and Possible Loss

Diccon Hyatt is a seasoned financial and economic journalist who has extensively reported on the pandemic-era economy, translating complex financial issues into clear, relatable insights. He has contributed to U.S. 1, Community News Service, and the Middletown Transcript.

Beginning April 1, 2024, the federal safeguard that paused Medicaid disenrollments during the pandemic will expire, prompting millions of beneficiaries to re-verify their eligibility or face loss of coverage. This change impacts the government’s health insurance program for low-income and disabled Americans.

During the COVID-19 crisis, the federal government prohibited states from removing Medicaid recipients unless they relocated out of state or passed away. This continuous enrollment policy helped maintain coverage for millions.

With the expiration of this provision, states will initiate a 14-month process to review and potentially terminate Medicaid coverage for individuals no longer meeting eligibility criteria.

The timeline and procedures vary by state. Medicaid enrollees should consult their respective state Medicaid websites to understand renewal requirements and deadlines to maintain uninterrupted coverage.

Verifying eligibility for Medicaid is a massive administrative challenge. Over 92 million Americans—roughly one in four—receive healthcare through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Medicaid enrollment surged by 20.2 million during the pandemic, contributing to a historic low uninsured rate of 8%, largely due to the continuous enrollment rule that prevented coverage loss.

Each state enforces its own Medicaid eligibility guidelines and renewal processes, typically requiring annual re-enrollment. Coverage can be lost if income rises above thresholds or required documentation is not submitted.

Many eligible individuals lose coverage annually due to administrative hurdles such as missing paperwork, lack of notification, or bureaucratic errors, according to Georgetown University health policy expert Tricia Brooks.

The Department of Health and Human Services projects that 15 million people will lose Medicaid benefits as the continuous coverage provision is phased out. Alarmingly, approximately 6.8 million may be disenrolled despite remaining eligible.

Among those losing Medicaid, some will re-enroll, others may secure insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces or employer plans, but many risk becoming uninsured. Past data shows about 17% of those disenrolled remained without coverage a year later, per Kaiser Family Foundation analysis.

Stay informed and proactive to safeguard your healthcare coverage during this critical transition.

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