In my 25 years in healthcare, I have been privileged to develop strategies designed to increase access and improve the health of individuals and families across the U.S. I have seen some of the industry's most impactful transformations as well as some of its most challenging undertakings. And now, in my role leading the Medicaid plans of Elevance Health, I am involved in the effort to help millions of people navigate what may be the most complex Medicaid renewal process in the history of the program.
The unwinding, as it is called, began after the end of the Public Health Emergency, when state Medicaid programs were permitted to resume checks to ensure enrollees were still eligible for Medicaid benefits. These eligibility checks had previously occurred annually but were put on hold during the COVID pandemic to prevent coverage gaps amid that health crisis. Now states have resumed eligibility checks. Approximately 92 million people are affected.
It is an anxious time for these individuals and families. Reports show that more than 10 million people have lost Medicaid coverage since renewals resumed, and approximately 2 million of them are children. Many others could be at risk if they don't take certain steps to confirm their eligibility.
I have seen firsthand how health insurance coverage can be complex to navigate. Sometimes people may go without insurance simply because they weren’t aware of resources that could help them stay covered. But going without health insurance is a risk that no one should not have to take. Help is available.
Every state Medicaid program has been reaching out to Medicaid enrollees and directing them to resources for renewing their coverage. In addition, websites like Medicaid.gov help people understand what they need to do to renew their Medicaid/CHIP coverage. Healthcare.gov is another resource for those who may have lost Medicaid eligibility but could qualify for a subsidized ACA plan on the Exchange. ACA open enrollment ends January 15, 2024.
Elevance Health Medicaid plans serve more than 11 million people. Because the health security of so many people is at stake, our organization has been working on multiple fronts to reach people amid this uncertain period and help them stay covered.
Several months ago, we created MyHealthBenefitFinder.com, a self-service tool that by answering a few, simple questions provides information about the types of health coverage for which people may be eligible. This tool also offers the option to search for resources and programs that can address various needs at little or no cost, like transportation, housing, childcare, utility assistance, education, or other necessities.
For those who prefer to interact by phone, we set up a dedicated call center earlier this year. It's staffed 12 hours a day, Monday through Friday. We also offer in-person assistance at our 35 Community Resource Centers across the country to help answer questions about Medicaid renewal and coverage options.
Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, our health plans have engaged Medicaid enrollees in their neighborhoods at more than 7,000 community events, not only providing food distributions and other assistance, but also help for people trying to navigate the renewal process. I am proud of how many people we have reached in these settings, and we look forward to hosting many more similar events in the coming months.
This is an unprecedented time for Medicaid, a program that provides access to critical healthcare services and supports for millions of people. Elevance Health affiliated plans are committed to serving as a trusted guide, providing expert assistance, online tools and other resources to help people remain covered.
Kurt Small is president of Medicaid at Elevance Health