Loss of Medicaid Coverage

Q. What is Medicaid?
A. Medicaid is a government program that provides health coverage to qualified low-income individuals including pregnant women, families and children, the elderly and people with disabilities. In some states, the program is available to all adults below a certain income level.

Q. What does Medicaid cover?
A. All Medicaid programs cover basic medical care, such as:

• Inpatient hospital care
• Doctors' visit
• Outpatient hospital/clinic care
• X-ray and lab services
• Short-term skilled nursing, rehab and home health care
• Ambulance service
• Pediatric care
• Some Medicaid programs might cover other medical care such as prescriptions, vision and even dental care.

Q. Why did I lose my Medicaid coverage?
A. Medicaid eligibility is based on a variety of requirements. Some reasons you could lose Medicaid coverage are:

• You earn too much money
• You are older than the qualifying age
• You inherit, win or are given assets that change your financial status
• You failed to report a change in your household, such as getting married, adopting or having a child
• You are no longer pregnant

Q. What are my healthcare options if I lose Medicaid?
A. If you lose Medicaid, your child or children may be eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Your other option is to buy your own coverage through one of our health plans or the Health Insurance Marketplace during the special enrollment period. Most special enrollment periods last 60 days from the date you lose coverage, so don't procrastinate!

Q. Why should I shop through BCBSIL or on the Health Insurance Marketplace?
A. You can do it all online! By using our site or the Health Insurance Marketplace , you’ll be able to shop for, compare and buy health insurance that fits your medical care needs and budget. You can also see if you qualify for low monthly premiums based on your family’s total income.

Q. What happens if I don’t enroll in health coverage after I’ve lost Medicaid?
A. If you don't have insurance, then you might be required to pay a fee, which will be applied to your tax return that you’ll file in 2015. However, if you're uninsured for less than 3 months of the calendar year, you don’t have to pay the fee.