Saving Money & Medicare
What Will Happen to Your Medicaid Benefits as the COVID-19 Pandemic Ends?
In early 2020 the state of Iowa received funding that allowed all persons enrolled in a Medicaid program to continue receiving benefits throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, without a review of eligibility.
That funding is now ending. Beginning in February 2023 Iowa Medicaid will begin reviewing income and resources of all people who were allowed to continue to receive Medicaid benefits during the Covid-19 pandemic. Reviews will continue for the next twelve months and all people receiving Medicaid will be reviewed during this 12-month period. Reviews will determine if people are still eligible to receive benefits.
If you are on Medicaid there are several things you should do during this time:
- Update your contact information- Make sure that Iowa Medicaid has your current mailing address, phone number, email or other contact information. This way they will be able to contact you about your Medicaid coverage. You can do this by contacting Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 1-800-388-8366 from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8 am to 5 pm.
- Check your mail- You will be mailed a letter about your Medicaid coverage. This letter will also let you know if you need to complete a renewal form to see if you still qualify for Medicaid.
- Complete and return any Medicaid forms sent to you- You need to fill out and return any forms sent to you so that Medicaid can decide if your benefits will continue. If you do not return the documents you may lose your Medicaid coverage
What should I do if my Medicaid benefits change, and I am on Medicare (or eligible for Medicare)?
If you are on Medicare (or Medicare- eligible) your benefits may change during the redetermination process. You may be removed from Medicaid, or your level of assistance may change. Depending on your resources and incomes you could be moved a Medicare Savings Program called QMB (quimby) or one called SLMB (slimby). This move will be done for you by Medicaid after they finish your redetermination.
If Medicaid does make a change to your benefits you should reach out to a SHIIP/SMP counselor for assistance. Depending on your situation you will have a range of decisions that need to made including:
- Make sure you have a drug plan.
- Make sure your drug plan covers all your drugs.
- If you are moved to SLMB you will have less health care benefits (than on QMB or full Medicaid) and you will need to find additional coverage through a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage Plan.
To get help with any Medicare and Medicaid benefit changes you can reach out to 1-800-351-4664 to find a free SHIIP/SMP Counselor, or visit https://shiip.iowa.gov/find-a-shiip-counselor to find a nearby SHIIP/ SMP Site.
Where can I get more information if I have questions about my Medicaid?
In Iowa you can call Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 1-800-388-8366 from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8 am to 5 pm. Or you can visit https://hhs.iowa.gov/ime/members.