Provider Alert: Important Information – Medicaid Termination

Issued: July 27, 2023

Important Information: Medicaid Termination

The 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act that was signed into law in December 2022 removes the continuous Medicaid coverage requirement from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. As of May 1, 2023, state Medicaid programs are no longer required to maintain continuous coverage for beneficiaries. This means states must start recertifying eligibility for all Medicaid beneficiaries.

NC Medicaid began the recertification (renewal) process on May 1, 2023. Recertifications (renewals) will be completed over the next 12 months, as beneficiaries are up for renewal. Medicaid recertification (renewal) is the way a beneficiary’s information is reviewed to make sure they are still eligible for Medicaid health coverage.

What is happening?

North Carolina’s local Departments of Social Services have been working on contacting their county Medicaid beneficiaries to begin the renewals that are necessary due to the end of the Public Health Emergency. Unfortunately, a significant number of Partners’ members have not responded, resulting in the loss of Medicaid eligibility.

Partners is assisting with outreach to these members who are experiencing Medicaid terminations to let them know that it is not too late to reinstate their Medicaid, but they must contact their local DSS.

Partners is prioritizing outreach to members who have open authorizations.

How can providers help?

Partners will receive ongoing monthly disenrollment lists from the Division of Health Benefits to support our outreach to those members. Providers can help by:

• Continuing to check their members’ eligibility in NC Tracks and notify them of any issues
• Encourage members to contact their DSS case worker or local DSS office to resolve any issues.
• All providers can assist by reminding members to maintain correct contact information with their DSS worker. (This includes the member’s correct mailing address and phone number.) This will allow DSS, the state and Partners to successfully communicate important information with the member.

What if providers have questions?

If providers have questions, they may call Partners Provider Services at 1-877-398-4145.

List of Local DSS Offices in Partners Coverage Area: