Recent state data from Texas reveals that over 2 million individuals have been removed from the Medicaid program since the expiration of federal pandemic-era coverage protections in April of the previous year. This staggering number surpasses the disenrollment figures of any other state and is almost equivalent to the entire population of Houston, Texas’ most populous city, which boasts 2.3 million residents.
A closer look at the national landscape indicates that more than 16.4 million people have lost Medicaid coverage across the United States since eligibility checks resumed last spring. These checks had been temporarily halted during the pandemic. The health policy research nonprofit KFF provided this insightful data.
Millions of Texas Lost Medicaid Coverage
Given Texas’ status as the second-most populous state and its historical distinction of having the highest uninsured rate in the country, the state’s leading position in disenrollments may not be entirely surprising. However, the magnitude of the issue becomes apparent with Texas reporting the highest rate of individuals removed from Medicaid since the previous year, with 61% of enrollees losing coverage, according to KFF.
Notably, over half of the disenrolled individuals in Texas, totaling 1.3 million, lost coverage due to procedural issues like failure to submit necessary paperwork rather than being deemed ineligible. Despite the latest figures suggesting that Texas Medicaid has reverted to pre-pandemic enrollment levels, the state’s eligibility reviews are not yet complete, raising the likelihood of further coverage losses.
In response to these developments, Thomas Vazquez, a spokesperson for the Texas health department, emphasized that the state is actively taking measures to expedite benefits for eligible Texans. He also highlighted ongoing collaboration with the federal government to ensure the smooth operation of the redetermination process.
How to Access Medicaid Healthcare in Texas
The delivery of Medicaid services, along with all Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) services, is primarily facilitated through health plans. Individuals enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP can rely on their designated health plan to ensure access to the necessary healthcare services.
For inquiries concerning healthcare or specific queries about a healthcare provider, individuals are encouraged to reach out to their respective health plan. The contact details, including phone numbers and websites, are typically provided on the individual’s health plan ID card.
In instances where individuals do not have an assigned health plan or require assistance, particularly if recently disenrolled in Texas, they can seek support by contacting the Medicaid Helpline at 800-335-8957. This helpline is designed to provide guidance and assistance for those navigating Medicaid-related concerns.