The Families First Coronavirus Response Act prevented state Medicaid agencies from disenrolling people during the pandemic. However, that provision ends on March 31, 2023, and those who no longer qualify for Medicaid based on their income will begin to be removed from the plan by their State governments and will lose coverage. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates 8.2 million people will no longer be covered by Medicaid’s continuous enrollment requirement. However, those who do not qualify for Medicaid can get insurance coverage through marketplace plans. A Special Enrollment Period will run from March 31 through July 31. Five health insurance companies offer plans in Mississippi. They are: Ambetter from Magnolia Health, Molina Healthcare, Vantage Health Plan of Mississippi, UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna. “Individual insurance that you buy on the marketplace is different from the Medicaid coverage you are used to,” Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney said. “Make sure that the plan you are considering provides the coverage that you need. While low monthly costs are attractive, you also need to consider copays and deductibles that you may have to pay later. Check with the provider to see which facilities are in-network.” Mississippians can see plan options, monthly premiums and more by visiting www.healthcare.gov.
