Recently in the Twin Cities area, you may have seen signs on Metro Transit buses about the need for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees to renew their healthcare coverage.

It’s all part of a big change that affects 1.5 million Minnesotans who, for the first time in three years, need to take action to stay enrolled.

Why the focus on Medicaid?

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in early 2020, Congress enacted several laws to help individuals and states respond to the crisis. In an effort to minimize disruption, all states were required to pause their standard Medicaid renewal processes and keep people automatically enrolled in public healthcare programs for the duration of the Public Health Emergency.

The Public Health Emergency officially ended on March 31, 2023. States are now beginning to “unwind” the continuous coverage process and return to the standard processes of requiring annual renewal applications and reviewing eligibility for every person enrolled in Medicaid. While things are going back to the way they were before the pandemic, the caseload growth has resulted in the largest volume of work in the state’s public health care programs history. Additionally, the data on file in the eligibility systems has grown outdated adding to the volume of renewals that must be manually processed.  These reviews are now underway and will continue through next year.

What do Medicaid members need to do?

In order for the unwinding and eligibility redetermination process to work effectively, those with Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare need to take the following steps:

1. Update your contact information today
   Contact your county or tribal agency to update it so we can reach you.
2. Look up when your renewal takes place
   Know when to watch your mailbox for your renewal information using the renewal lookup tool at mnrenewallookup.com
3. Watch for the circle in blue when it’s time to renew
   You’ll get an envelope in the mail marked “Important information enclosed” with your renewal paperwork. Make sure to complete and return this paperwork on time.
4. Submit your completed renewal documents
   Submit your completed renewal documents as soon as possible. There are many options to submit. Find out how at: https://mn.gov/dhs/renewmycoverage/next-steps/

Even if you are no longer eligible for Medical Assistance, your child may still be. Renew to keep your child covered and healthy.

The Importance of Equitable Care and Access to Health Coverage

Universal coverage and access to culturally relevant care is vital to the health of Minnesotans. Research shows that uninsured people are far more likely than those with insurance to delay healthcare or go without it entirely. The effects on uninsured individuals can be devastating, particularly when preventable or life-threatening conditions are left untreated, or chronic diseases are undetected.

Through its Equitable Care and Coverage program, the Blue Cross Foundation works to increase healthcare coverage across Minnesota, support community solutions to accessing to equitable care, and increase awareness about communities most impacted by a lack of healthcare access.

Part of that commitment includes partnering with community organizations across the state to support their MNsure navigators. These organizations and navigators are embedded in the community and are trusted resources for those who are most in need of support around enrollment in public health insurance. This includes individuals and families who experience language barriers, technology limitations, low incomes, housing instability, mixed immigration status and marginalization.

“We know that our most vulnerable communities will be disproportionately impacted by this redetermination process, and it is imperative that we do everything we can to ensure people have the support they need,” said Bukata Hayes, vice president of racial and health equity and chief equity officer at Blue Cross, and Blue Cross Foundation board chair. “We encourage folks to find a navigator in their area and reach out for assistance to ensure continued healthcare coverage.”

Learn More

For more information about renewing Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare coverage, click here.