President Joe Biden has expanded Medicaid coverage in five states, allowing children to remain eligible for health insurance. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services HHS made the announcement today.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicaid recipients had continuous coverage, meaning they didn’t need to reapply or prove their eligibility. However, in April 2023, states began ending this coverage, leading to millions being removed from Medicaid due to eligibility or paperwork issues.
Now, under Biden’s expansion, Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania have received permission to provide extended eligibility for children beyond the standard 12-month requirement.
In addition, Colorado and Pennsylvania will offer continuous coverage to individuals who have recently been released from prison.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of ensuring uninterrupted coverage for Americans, especially children, so they can access healthcare when needed.
The new policy ensures uninterrupted access to health care for those enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program CHIP even if their circumstances change. For example, in Colorado, children in Medicaid and CHIP will be covered until they turn 3, while individuals ages 19 to 64 who are leaving incarceration will have coverage for 12 months. In Hawaii, children’s eligibility is extended until age 6, and individuals aged 6 to 19 will receive 24 months of continuous eligibility.