It’s been quite a decade, this year! I know many of us have lost much more than we could imagine and although this pandemic is not over, I am hopeful for a renewed sense of optimism this Spring. I am ever grateful for you, my clients, colleagues and community, for all you did to help us through this time. To continue this partnership, I am launching a new program for the Spring. For the month of April, Care Answered will hold a program called “How Can I Help?” Every Thursday in April from the hours of 3 pm-5 pm, you can speak directly with me about any patient advocacy or care coordination question you may have. You can schedule a call here. I look forward to speaking with you soon!
Community Medicaid News
Many of you have attended my webinars on changes in New York State Community Medicaid. Here is the latest:
The financial lookback for Community Medicaid is likely to be extended until at least July 1, 2021. It may be that the state will enact the changes to medical eligibility and procedure at this time as well. There are still many uncertainties in regard to timing, but my suggestion is the same: Start your Medicaid planning now and if anyone you know is on the fence about Community Medicaid (i.e. getting care in your home/community covered by Medicaid) do not hesitate to ask an expert about Community Medicaid. You may wish to speak with an Elder Law Attorney or Medicaid Specialist. Care Answered can also help.
Recertification for Medicaid
According to HRA, all cases automatically renewed for 12 months if authorization would normally be due March 2020 through May 2021
“During the COVID-19 emergency, no Medicaid cases will be closed for failure to renew or failure to provide documentation. Any case that is closed for failure to renew or failure to provide documentation will be re-opened and coverage restored to ensure no gap in coverage. Renewals will be extended for 12 months. Excess resources cases will be extended for 6 months. See below for information regarding coverage for Surplus cases.
- Medicaid cases with authorization that ends in March through December 2020 have been extended. New York State has also authorized this easement extension for cases with authorization ending in January, February, March, April and May 2021.
- The renewal extension applies to all renewal cases including Office of Mail Renewal, MLTC, Surplus renewals, Nursing Home Eligibility, Medicare Savings Program, MBI-WPD (entitled to 6 months extended grace period if loss of employment), Stenson/Recipients who lose their SSI eligibility and Rosenberg/Recipients who lose their eligibility for cash assistance.”
Find more information here: