By Joel Krooks, Esq.

Prior to March 2020, Medicaid recipients had to recertify for Medicaid every year. However, from March 2020 to March 2023, Medicaid cases were automatically extended because of COVID-19 and the public health emergency.

The public health emergency ended on May 11, 2023, and as recently as March 2023, Medicaid has been sending Medicaid recipients a recertification application. The automatic renewal has ended. Medicaid recipients must submit the recertification with the required documentation on time or else Medicaid can be discontinued.

For anyone who applied for Medicaid during the public health emergency, this will be the first time they need to recertify, and this may come as a surprise to many Medicaid recipients. The recertification should be sent by mail to the recipient, and it will include instructions on how to complete the recertification. The recertification will also have a deadline date that the recertification needs to be submitted by. It is always recommended that the recertification be submitted by certified mail, and a return receipt requested (think green card).

One benefit of the recertification is that you can inform Medicaid of your income. The income limits for Medicaid have recently changed and a community Medicaid recipient can now have $1,677 of countable income each month prior to a spenddown. This is a big increase from the 2022 limit of $934 and due to this, the income you are depositing to a pooled income trust will likely change or you may not have to deposit income to a pooled income trust anymore.

It is important for Medicaid recipients to recertify every year if they wish to continue to have their Medicaid benefits. Be on the lookout for the recertification in the mail and if you need assistance with the recertification, please call our office so that we can assist you in submitting the recertification.

The attorneys at Littman Krooks are available to assist you with your Medicaid needs. To learn more about requesting an updated budget, applying for Medicaid in 2023, protecting your home from estate recovery, or any other Medicaid concern you may have, please contact us to schedule a consultation.