We are nearing the end of the first week of the new Trump administration. The new administration has released proposals which include cuts to human services and other regressive policies. Many are anxious about these threats. Access Living’s Advocacy Department is working hard with our partners at the local, state, and federal levels to advocate for the protection of key Medicaid programs and funding.
During this time, you can take these steps to protect yourself and the care you receive. Many people don’t know if they have Medicaid, or if their contact information is up to date. It is important to make sure there are no errors in your file.
Check if you are enrolled in Medicaid. Medicaid is a health care insurance program for families and individuals with low income and limited resources. Many people also use Medicaid for state-funded home and community-based services (HCBS). However, you may not know if you have Medicaid just by looking at your health insurance card. If you live in Illinois, you can check your enrollment by:
- Logging into your account at www.abe.illinois.gov.
- Calling the Illinois Medicaid Hotline at 877-805-5312
- Calling the Department of Human Services Helpline at 1-800-843-6150
If you live outside of Illinois, go to this website to check what Medicaid is called in your state. Contact that state’s Medicaid agency to check if you are enrolled.
Verifying your mailing address. Letters are sent when enrolled in Medicaid to provide notices. Not having a correct mailing address listed can result in you missing important notices and compromising your Medicaid coverage.
- If you live in Illinois, visit www.abe.illinois.gov, click on the “Manage My Case” tab, and login to review key information such as your mailing address.
- If you live outside of Illinois, contact your state’s Medicaid agency to make sure your mailing address is up to date. The Medicaid agency may have a website where you can log into your account to update it.
Check your redetermination due date. Redetermination is the process of updating your information and reenrolling yourself into Medicaid. Failure to complete redetermination can result in loss of Medicaid coverage. Complete your redetermination as soon as possible.
- Visit www.abe.illinois.gov, click on the “Manage My Case” tab, and login to review key information such as your redetermination date.
- If you live outside of Illinois, contact your state’s Medicaid agency to check your redetermination date. The Medicaid agency may have a website where you can log into your account to check.
Be proactive about keeping your records. Medicaid eligibility is contingent on your assets and income but work requirements for Medicaid could also be implemented. Keep documents detailing any earned income as well as your disability status. Missing them could result in a failure to verify and a loss in Medicaid coverage.
Sign up for Medicaid action webinars. Access Living is part of many coalitions who are tracking human service cuts at the federal level. For example, join these webinars to learn more about Medicaid threats and strategies to push back:
Jan 30th at 2 PM: What’s at Stake and How We Win – Protecting Medicaid, Supporting Immigrant Communities, and Putting Families Before Billionaires
Feb 4th at 1 PM: Protecting Medicaid for Older Adults: What’s at Risk & What Advocates Can Do Access Living is always here to support you. Please reach out to us at (312) 640-2100 or online at https://www.accessliving.org/contact/ if you need support when taking steps to protect yourself. Please share this important information with fellow disability advocates.