Civil rights groups, including the NAACP, assessed states’ handling of Medicaid disenrollment. Out of 50 states, only Hawaii received a passing grade, while 25 states got incomplete marks, and the rest faced varying levels of failure. The report revealed over 10 million disenrollments post-pandemic policy changes. It criticized states for not ensuring Medicaid access for eligible individuals, particularly affecting communities of color. Disparities in Medicaid infrastructure funding and bureaucratic obstacles were highlighted. Recommendations included pausing disenrollments, reenrolling eligible individuals, and automating renewals.
A recent evaluation by a coalition spearheaded by prominent civil rights organizations has shed light on states’ handling of Medicaid disenrollments. Released on Thursday, the scorecard assessed each state’s policies during the Medicaid unwinding period, revealing concerning outcomes and disparities across the nation.
Among the states assessed, only Hawaii managed to secure a passing grade. Shockingly, 25 states alongside the District of Columbia were graded as incomplete, while the remaining 25 states received failing grades of varying severity.
The termination of more than 10 million Medicaid enrollees following the conclusion of pandemic-era eligibility requirements has drawn sharp criticism. NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson emphasized the failure of numerous states to ensure access to Medicaid for all eligible individuals, calling attention to this issue during a press conference.
Utilizing metrics devised in collaboration with HIT Strategies and the NAACP, states were evaluated based on disenrollment status, Medicaid expansion implementation, and procedural disenrollment rates. States were required to maintain a procedural disenrollment rate at or below 5% or demonstrate efforts towards automatic renewal processes to secure a passing grade. Failing grades were assigned to states failing to meet these criteria or refusing Medicaid expansion.
Hawaii’s proactive approach, earning an “A” grade for adopting Medicaid expansion and pausing procedural disenrollments, was highlighted as a model. Conversely, Florida’s lack of action in addressing procedural disenrollment or adopting Medicaid expansion led to an “F-” score. States like Wisconsin, despite advocating for Medicaid expansion, faced obstacles due to legislative roadblocks, resulting in upgraded “F+” scores.
The coalition expressed deep concern over the repercussions of Medicaid terminations, particularly within communities of color. Notably, children transitioning from Medicaid to the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) faced significant risks, contributing to an estimated 54% of disenrollees coming from marginalized communities.
Highlighting systemic issues within the American healthcare system, civil rights organizations pointed out that up to 70% of disenrolled individuals could have been eligible for Medicaid but were denied coverage due to procedural hurdles or wrongful cancellations.
Moreover, disparities in funding allocation for Medicaid eligibility infrastructure were evident, with poorly performing states investing substantially less compared to successful states. Suggestions included empowering Medicaid managed care organizations to complete forms for members and involving community organizations to assist with document uploads and issue resolution.
Calling for a halt to procedural disenrollments, reenrollment of eligible individuals, and the establishment of automated renewal systems, the coalition emphasized the need for immediate action by state governments.
Leaders of various organizations within the coalition stressed the adverse effects of bureaucratic hurdles, emphasizing the link between temporary health insurance gaps and poor health outcomes. They called for states to halt the unwinding process and take comprehensive steps to ensure uninterrupted coverage, echoing a directive from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Ultimately, the assessment by civil rights groups emphasized the urgency for states to address the fallout from Medicaid disenrollments. It spotlighted the neglect in ensuring access to Medicaid for eligible individuals, notably impacting marginalized communities and children. Disparities in funding and bureaucratic barriers were identified as significant hurdles requiring immediate attention. The coalition stressed the imperative for states to pause disenrollments, reinstate eligible individuals, and implement automated renewal systems. This call to action underscores the pressing need for equitable and inclusive policies to safeguard Medicaid access. Collaboration between civil rights organizations remains vital in urging swift and comprehensive interventions to rectify the situation.