LINCOLN- 145,000 are at risk of losing Medicaid coverage as renewals restart following a three-year Covid-19 pause. Changes in federal law mean the eligibility of Medicaid recipients is now being reviewed, returning to “normal” eligibility requirements. The Nebraska DHHS began March 1 processing the accounts of Nebraskans whose renewal months are April and May. As a result, Nebraskans could begin to lose coverage this month, even though some may still be eligible for Medicaid.

DHHS said the most important thing Nebraskans can do is update their contact information. Nebraskans can visit or call ACCESSNebraska to update their information or see when their renewal month is. DHHS also has local offices throughout the state to assist Medicaid recipients. Watson said the best estimate is that 10-20% of the nearly 390,000 Nebraskans on Medicaid could lose coverage, which is in line with national trends.

Some could lose eligibility unnecessarily, Watson noted, if the department cannot reach enrollees when more information is required to verify eligibility. This could be done via mail, and enrollees may need to send pay stubs or other identifying information. Nebraska Appleseed has a step-by-step guide for following the Medicaid renewal process and can also help Nebraskans manage the process.

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