Hundreds of Thousands of Americans are at Risk of Losing Their Medicaid Coverage
A recent New York Times article illustrated that hundreds of thousands of predominantly low-income Americans have lost their Medicaid coverage due to the expired pandemic protection policy as of March 2023.
So, what are the contributing factors?
Income Changes: Many individuals and families experienced significant income fluctuations during the pandemic due to job losses, reduced work hours, or business closures. Medicaid eligibility is income-based, and as people’s financial situations improved or stabilized, they might have exceeded the thresholds for Medicaid coverage, resulting in loss of benefits.
Temporary Eligibility Expansions: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some states temporarily expanded their Medicaid programs to cover more individuals, including those who may not have previously qualified. These expansions were often tied to the duration of the public health emergency. As the emergency measures expired, individuals who gained coverage through these temporary expansions might have lost their Medicaid eligibility.
Renewal Requirements: Medicaid requires regular renewal of eligibility to ensure that individuals still meet the program's criteria. The pandemic and its associated disruptions may have made it challenging for people to complete the renewal process, resulting in coverage lapses and eventual loss of Medicaid benefits.
Administrative Challenges: The pandemic placed an enormous strain on state Medicaid agencies, which had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and increased demand for services. The administrative burden, combined with limited resources and staff, could have led to delays in processing applications or renewals, inadvertently causing some individuals to lose coverage.
Lack of Awareness or Assistance: Navigating the complexities of Medicaid can be challenging, and some individuals may not have been aware of the expiration of pandemic protections or the need to renew their coverage. Additionally, limited access to assistance programs and reduced outreach efforts during the pandemic could have resulted in eligible individuals not receiving the necessary support to maintain their Medicaid coverage.
It is important to note that policies, eligibility criteria and renewal processes can differ from state to state which ultimately leads to variations in the number of people affected. According to the same NYT article, in recent weeks, states have begun releasing data on who has lost coverage and why. This data provides just a hint of the toll that has affected some of the most economically challenged and vulnerable Americans.
The good news is that Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) can provide valuable support to these individuals by offering more accessible and cost-effective health care options.
Specifically, here is how RPM can help:
Cost Savings: RPM can reduce healthcare costs by minimizing the need for in-person visits and hospitalizations. With remote monitoring devices and technologies, individuals can track their health conditions from home, reducing the financial burden associated with frequent doctor's appointments and emergency room visits.
Continuity of Care: Even without Medicaid coverage, individuals can still benefit from ongoing monitoring and management of their health conditions through RPM. By regularly tracking vital signs, symptoms, and medication adherence, healthcare providers can remotely assess patients' conditions and provide timely interventions or adjustments to treatment plans.
Early Detection of Issues: By regularly transmitting this data to healthcare providers, potential health issues can be detected early, allowing for prompt intervention and prevention of complications. This proactive approach to healthcare management can help individuals avoid more severe health problems and costly treatments in the long run.
Self-Management and Empowerment: RPM encourages individuals to take an active role in managing their health. Through remote monitoring devices and associated mobile apps or online platforms, patients can track their progress, receive educational resources, and set goals for self-care. This empowerment can help individuals better manage their health conditions, even without continuous access to healthcare services.
Virtual Consultations: Remote patient monitoring often goes hand in hand with telemedicine, enabling virtual consultations with healthcare providers. Through video calls or messaging platforms, individuals can discuss their health concerns, receive medical advice, and obtain prescriptions or referrals. Virtual consultations can bridge the gap created by the loss of Medicaid coverage and ensure individuals still have access to healthcare professionals when needed.
Sensoria Health has been and continues to be at the forefront of this innovative healthcare transformation. We are the leading developer of RPM wearables that help improve people and patient’s lives. We are digitalizing healthcare with our sensor infused smart garments and artificial intelligence software solutions. We are ushering in a new era of connected healthcare that promises to enhance clinician’s reach and transform patient’s lives.