Sacramento, California – July 31, 2023— Historically, our communities were built on a foundation of interdependence and generosity. Our communities lived in balance with our environment and were guided by each of the four seasons to achieve sustainability (health) and feed (nurture) our people. Each changing season brought about new challenges and obstacles that tested our resilience and way of life. Generation after generation, our communities have continued to carry this commitment forward to ensure our children and loved ones have access to medicine, nutrients, and in contemporary times, healthcare benefits.
The Spring of 2023 was no different. It brought a significant change that could effect at least 15 million Californians who received Medi-cal benefits and another 6.4 million who receive Medicare benefits. Including many of our local community members here in Sacramento County. On April 01, 2023, California reinstated its normal processes to determine Medi-Cal members’ eligibility for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Previously, States received increased Medicaid funding and postponed disenrollment for as long as the unprecedented health crisis of COVID-19 remained in effect. This continuous coverage had allowed millions of Californians to stay on Medi-Cal without worrying about their eligibility.
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid health care program that offers free to low-cost health coverage for residents who meet eligibility requirements, which are determined by federal poverty level limits. To qualify for Medi-Cal, an individual’s or family’s household annual income can be no greater than 138% of the federal poverty level (DHCS). The California Department of Health Care Service estimates that around 15 million people – more than a third of the state’s population – are currently enrolled in Medi-Cal, which is the most ever recorded. In fact, from March 2020 to February 2023, Medi-Cal enrollment has increased by 16%. However, with the renewal process in effect, members will have their eligibility for Medi-Cal redetermined over a 14-month process.
According to the California Health Care Foundation, two to three million Californians may leave the program due to ineligibility (CHCF). The great majority will qualify for alternative coverage options but may require assistance transitioning. Those that remain eligible for Medi-Cal are at risk for being disenrolled from the program simply due to administrative or procedural issues, such as enrollment offices for Medi-Cal not having participants’ current addresses after the previous two turbulent years. Local Medi-Cal offices review a member’s eligibility annually or whenever they report changes to their household. In the end, this means that each person’s renewal date is different.
To check your Medicaid status, contact your local county social services to learn more about your Medi-Cal activity and eligibility. The California Department of Health Services has a full directory of each county’s agency. For the annual redetermination of your Medi-Cal eligibility requirements, you and/or your family members should do the following:
Contact your Local County Services Office to check on your and/or your family’s renewal status. They will either send a letter stating you qualify for another year or a form requesting additional information. Make sure to inform the county about any changes regarding family size, income, and address. If you must complete the Medi-Cal Annual Redetermination form, please follow the instructions, fill out the form, and sign it. Then, return the form along with any additional information requested. Failing to meet the county’s deadline can result in the loss of your Medi-Cal coverage so be sure to submit your paperwork on time. Once your form is processed, the county will inform you and/or your family members if the application is successful and an additional year of Medi-Cal benefits will be granted.
It’s important that we come together to support one another in ensuring no one in our community loses access to healthcare services. At SNAHC we partner with Sacramento Covered, a nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving health care access and care coordination for all who live in the Sacramento region. Together, we are able to help facilitate new Medi-Cal applications and assist current Medi-Cal members who are looking to re-enroll.
The following is information on how to enroll or re-enroll for Medi-Cal at SNAHC with Sacramento Covered:
Walk-ins are accepted
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30-4:30
Languages served:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday – English/Spanish
Thursday – English/Spanish/Hmong
For renewals patients/clients should bring the following:
Renewal packet
Income verification
If reporting any changes, bring supporting documents (for example, if new address, bring utility bill)
New application:
Proof of income
ID/SSN for all household members
Proof of address
New Workshop:
Our Chief Traditional Health Officer Nathan Blacksmith, MBA (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate) and will be hosting a Medi-Cal Eligibility and Renewal workshop at our Florin Road location.
To register, please use the following link: https://bit.ly/MediCalWorkshop
Resources:
Learn about frequently asked questions regarding insurance.
https://snahc.org/frequently-asked-questions/
Sacramento Native American Health Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) Federally Qualified Health Center committed to continue and share the legacy of a healthy American Indian / Alaska Native community based on cultural values delivered through a traditional, innovative, and accessible patient-centered health home. SNAHC offers primary care, oral health, behavioral health, specialty, and supportive services. We are open to all, and all are welcome. For more information on SNAHC, visit www.snahc.org or call 916-341-0575 for an appointment.
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