7 Strategies for Navigating the Medicaid Disenrollment Challenge

New data shows that states are struggling with the administrative components of redetermination. How did we get here, and how do we solve this problem?

Following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency this spring, states began the process of redetermining which residents are eligible for Medicaid coverage. As of early this August, KFF reports that nearly 4 million Medicaid enrollees have been disenrolled based on data reported from 41 states and the District of Columbia. Further, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) projects that 15 million people will lose Medicaid coverage once redeterminations are complete.

As health plans adjust to this new reality, proactive measures must be taken to offset the reduction in Medicaid enrollment. The below list describes effective medicaid redetermination strategies that health plans can adopt to ensure continued coverage for vulnerable populations while maintaining their commitment to providing accessible healthcare services.

1. Enhanced Communication and Outreach

Engage in targeted communication campaigns to educate existing and potential enrollees about the importance of maintaining Medicaid coverage. Leveraging modern technology, such as HealthEdge^®’s Wellframe^® digital engagement platform, to take an omni-channel approach to beneficiary communications, can improve connectivity and effectiveness. In these communications, payers should highlight the array of benefits Medicaid offers and emphasize how it positively impacts their health and financial well-being.

2. Streamlined Enrollment Processes

Simplify the enrollment and renewal processes to minimize administrative burdens on beneficiaries. Provide user-friendly online platforms that guide enrollees through the application process. Utilize technology, such as HealthEdge’s HealthRules^® Payer core administrative processing system, to streamline enrollment and even pre-populate application forms and ease the documentation requirements, ensuring that the process remains as hassle-free as possible.

3. Collaboration with Community Organizations

Forge partnerships with community organizations, local clinics, and non-profits to increase awareness about Medicaid and support beneficiaries in navigating enrollment challenges. Community-based assistance can play a pivotal role in helping eligible individuals complete applications and renewals accurately. Payers who depend on HealthEdge’s GuidingCare modern care management platform are able to easily create and manage these partnerships with its extensive API services and more than 75+ pre-built integrations, including some with services for social determinants of health (SDOH).

4. Personalized Assistance

Offer personalized assistance through customer service representatives or enrollment specialists. Provide dedicated helplines to address enrollees’ questions and concerns, helping them navigate the complexities of the enrollment process.

5. Outreach to Lapsed Enrollees

Implement outreach strategies aimed at lapsed enrollees. Send reminder notifications about re-enrollment deadlines, emphasizing the potential risks of going without coverage and the ease of reinstating benefits. Once again, an omni-channel approach to beneficiary communications has the potential to drive higher levels of engagement.

6. Education on Benefits

Conduct education campaigns to inform beneficiaries about the range of benefits available through Medicaid. Highlight services such as preventive care, prescription medications, mental health support, and pediatric care. Demonstrating the value of these benefits can incentivize individuals to maintain their enrollment.

7. Data Analytics for Targeted Outreach

Utilize data analytics to identify trends and patterns in disenrollment. This data can guide the creation of targeted outreach efforts, focusing on areas or demographic groups that are experiencing higher disenrollment rates. For example, care management systems like GuidingCare – which have dynamic business intelligence capabilities – grant greater access to real-time data and analytics to make this process easy for care teams and business leaders.

The Medicaid disenrollment trend following the expiration of the Emergency Act presents a challenge that health plans must address with urgency and compassion. By implementing a combination of enhanced communication, simplified processes, community partnerships, personalized assistance, and targeted outreach efforts, health plans can offset the reduction in Medicaid enrollment. These strategies not only help maintain coverage for vulnerable populations but also underscore health plans’ commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare services for all.

To learn more about how HealthEdge is helping health plans architect and execute their Medicaid redetermination strategies, visit www.healthedge.com.