Medicaid Cuts Threaten Millions in West Virginia
TL/DR –
West Virginia’s Medicaid eligibility review has resulted in approximately 100,000 residents losing their coverage, potentially because of unfulfilled paperwork requests or change of address. This drop could lead to the state losing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal matching funds and a significant reduction in resources for low-income families, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. Affected individuals can renew their Medicaid through the state’s PATH portal, over the phone, or at local Department of Health and Human Resources field offices.
West Virginia Medicaid Eligibility Review Results in Loss of Coverage for Thousands
Since the initiation of West Virginia’s Medicaid eligibility review in the spring, approximately 100,000 residents have lost their coverage. Experts indicate most of these individuals likely remain eligible, but possibly didn’t respond to paperwork requests or have updated their addresses.
A decrease in Medicaid numbers could lead to West Virginia losing out on hundreds of millions in federal matching funds for the Medicaid program. “Fewer dollars mean fewer resources for low-income families, people with disabilities, and pregnant women,” commented Renate Pore, a health care policy consultant for West Virginians for Affordable Healthcare.
According to Pore, many individuals who’ve been dropped from Medicaid may be unaware of their situation until they seek medical care. In December last year, over 656,000 people were enrolled in West Virginia’s Medicaid program. However, a 2022 KFF survey revealed that more than half of adults across the nation have incurred debt due to medical or dental bills.
Census data highlights the reality of the issue, showing that 23 million Americans are burdened with substantial medical debt, collectively amounting to at least $195 billion. West Virginia recently faced federal scrutiny for erroneously removing thousands of children from its Medicaid rolls.
Pore explained that as the Medicaid population decreases, there is an accompanying 5% loss in federal funding for the program’s operations and reimbursements. As a result, the state’s 80% federal support could drop to about 75%.
Residents can initiate the Medicaid renewal process online through West Virginia’s PATH portal, by phone at 877-716-1212 or in person at local Department of Health and Human Resources field offices. Those seeking health coverage can reach out to a navigator or call 844-WV-CARES.
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