Highlights from "Medicaid Insights: Medicaid Redetermination"

On June 28, 2024, HeathTech 4 Medicaid held another webinar in our “Medicaid Insights” series! “Medicaid Insights: Medicaid Redetermination” featured an impassioned panel of experts navigating the midst of Medicaid redetermination and its impact on the Medicaid community. The conversation featured Adimika Arthur, CEO & Executive Director, HT4M ; Kate McEvoy, Executive Director, National Association of Medical Directors ; Melisa Byrd, Medicaid Director, DC Department of Health Care Finance ;?Ron Wyatt, Founder & CEO, Achieving Health Equity LLC ;?and Robin Rudowitz, Vice President,?KFF ?and Director of Program on Medicaid and? the Uninsured.?

Robin Rudowitz kicked off the webinar with a comprehensive review of Medicaid Redetermination, anchoring on Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)'s recently published?annual eligibility report . ?Following the end of paused disenrollment on March 31, 2023, states began adjusting their processes, leading to a decline in Medicaid enrollment from the pandemic peak.

Despite staffing challenges, states have employed new methods, such as 1902(e)14 waivers , to streamline renewals. However, communication with current Medicaid enrollees about the redetermination process remains a critical challenge, with many facing coverage loss and now high healthcare costs. The full impact of the unwinding period on overall coverage is still unknown.?

Our webinar explored the effects of the unwinding period on both patients and administrative processes in delivering Medicaid to vulnerable populations.

What has emerged from the redetermination process??

• Administrative Improvements: Melisa Byrd discussed enhancements in enrollee communication, system automation, and staff load reduction. She highlighted efforts to make the renewal process smoother and more efficient.
• Dynamic Adaptation: Kate McEvoy described redetermination as a "dynamic" process, emphasizing the need for flexibility and timely responses to unforeseen circumstances brought on by the pandemic. She underscored the importance of improving communication forums to ensure enrollees maintain their coverage, and of connecting people with community partners and advocates to hold organizations accountable while ensuring they are informed.
• Community Involvement: Ron Wyatt highlighted the crucial role of community-based organizations and telehealth in making Medicaid more accessible. He stressed the need for intentional equity and interdisciplinary approaches in healthcare, stating that "equity is a system that is created with intention."

What does the extension of redetermination for another year mean for the future?

• State Motivations and Adjustments: Kate McEvoy noted the states' focus on protecting vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, disabled, and children. She discussed using this period as a learning opportunity to improve automated renewals and maintain coverage continuity.
• Technological Advancements: Robin Rudowitz emphasized the "new normal" of automated processes and technologies enhancing continuous enrollment, particularly for children. "Continuous enrollment [is] improving continuous coverage." She mentioned the importance of leveraging technology to improve communication and renewals.
• Innovative Communication Methods: Melisa Byrd discussed the use of telehealth, mobile apps, and online portals to "meet folks where they are," improving communication and engagement with enrollees. She highlighted the synergy created by coordinating with national databases and between states.

The 2024 Political landscape & Medicaid - what can be expected?

• State-Level Focus: Robin Rudowitz highlighted state-level interventions addressing health-related social needs and continuous enrollment for children. "Elections matter, and for Medicaid they matter at the state level and the federal level," she emphasized.
• Ongoing Commitment: Melisa Byrd affirmed the ongoing dedication of Medicaid staff, regardless of political changes. “Our day to day work making sure the person that’s using Medicaid doesn’t feel a difference in their coverage is our priority”
• Quality of Care: Ron Wyatt advocated for quality care through structural strategies and emphasized learning from communities to improve Medicaid practices. He called for greater time spent listening to patients and incorporating their feedback into Medicaid programming.

What is currently needed to improve the Medicaid determination process?

• Reducing Administrative Burdens: Kate McEvoy emphasized the importance of simplifying administrative processes to improve Medicaid delivery. She advocated for expanding eligibility, tailoring services to local needs, and addressing diversity in identity and origin to ensure clarity and continuity in Medicaid implementation. She stated that we need?"reduction of administrative burdens, but also attention to differences in identity, origin."
• Community Partnership: Melisa Byrd and Ron Wyatt stressed the importance of engaging with communities and anticipating future challenges to sustain Medicaid programming. They emphasized the value of partnering directly with people and communities.
• Data and Policy Research: Robin Rudowitz outlined KFF's role in health policy research and the utilization of state-level data available on their website. She emphasized the importance of using data to inform policy decisions and improve Medicaid services.

Thank you to those who attended and provided such valuable insights.?We look forward to continuing these important conversations and driving meaningful change in the Medicaid ecosystem.?

Scroll down to register for the next webinar, celebrating Medicaid's 59th birthday!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join HT4M to Celebrate Medicaid's 59th Birthday!

Join HT4M on?July 30th?for a special HealthTech 4 Medicaid (HT4M) webinar as we celebrate?Medicaid's 59th birthday! This milestone event will highlight the program's historic impact, current challenges, and future innovations in advancing healthcare access and equity for millions of Americans.

We will explore groundbreaking innovations that have transformed Medicaid services, discuss the impact of recent policy changes, and highlight successful initiatives that have improved healthcare delivery for Medicaid beneficiaries.?

This event is designed for any and all stakeholders dedicated to enhancing Medicaid and promoting healthcare equity. Celebrate with us as we honor Medicaid's legacy and look forward to its future advancements!

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???Date:?July 30th, 2024

??Time:?9am-10am PST / 12pm - 1pm EST

???Location: Virtual

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The Future of Medicaid Innovation Forum

January 14, 2024

Join HealthTech 4 Medicaid for our signature annual event! The?Future of Medicaid Innovation Forum?is taking place on?January 14th, 2025, 10 AM - 12 PM PST!

Now in its eighth year, this event will bring together leading innovators to tackle the latest issues, challenges, and market solutions at the intersection of health equity and tech equity. The Future of Medicaid Innovation Forum is designed to foster an interactive dialogue among various health tech and healthcare stakeholders, focusing on actionable steps to drive meaningful change in the Medicaid ecosystem. Featured speakers will discuss advancements in health equity and Medicaid, addressing the critical needs to eliminate barriers to technology, healthcare, and funding, thereby improving the lives of Medicaid recipients and other vulnerable populations.

The event will take place in person at the?San Francisco Playhouse?and will also be available for streaming online via Zoom.

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