Hartford Business Journal

12 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | MAY 15, 2023 Dear Connecticut Business Community, T here are important healthcare changes upon us that Connecticut employers should be aware of and prepared to address. A recent change in federal legislation will lead to hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents potentially losing eligibility to receive medical coverage though HUSKY Health, the state's Medicaid program. For employers, it's important to note this will include workers across the state who gained Medicaid coverage during the pandemic. Redetermination of Medicaid eligibility, also known as Medicaid renewal or "unwinding," began April 1 with notifications being sent across the state. An estimated 435,000 Connecticut residents have had Medicaid coverage extended over the last three years, and a significant number of those may no longer be eligible – many due to changes in employment status since the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency was declared. For employers, this means many employees could be looking for information, guidance, and the opportunity to enroll in employer-sponsored health coverage. Why This Is Happening Congress passed legislation to allow states to resume the practice of determining Medicaid eligibility, which was paused during the pandemic as a way to help expand access to care. e Connecticut Department of Social Services has embarked on a 12-month process of reviewing Medicaid eligibility. Each month, DSS will work to either "passively" renew Medicaid coverage, allowing people to keep their benefits without taking any action, or notify recipients if automatic renewal is not possible. It's important that anyone who has been receiving Medicaid benefits ensures their contact information is up to date via portal.ct.gov/updateusdss. Affordable Options Are Available Employees who started a new job but waived employer- sponsored coverage and kept their Medicaid plan may no longer qualify due to the employment change. ey will likely seek other coverage, including employer-sponsored coverage. ose who are not eligible for employer-sponsored health coverage, but will also no longer be eligible for Medicaid, have affordable options available to them. anks to Gov. Ned Lamont's leadership in launching Covered Connecticut, eligible families can find no-cost healthcare plans. For others, federal subsidies for individual health plans available on the marketplace have been enhanced through 2025 to help keep costs down for those buying plans. Also, a new federal rule has addressed the so-called "family glitch," which revises the affordability test for family members only and allows the spouse and dependents of an employee to access marketplace subsidies. is means that marketplace health plans may be more affordable than most people think. Action Steps for Employers For those losing access to Medicaid, most will seek coverage through their employer, Covered Connecticut, or through individual health plans offered directly through health insurers. Employers can play a critical role in raising awareness of the coming Medicaid renewal changes and help employees find coverage by preparing to guide eligible employees through their enrollment process. Workers who do not have access to employer-sponsored coverage can be directed to several resources of unbiased information and coverage: 1. HUSKY Health (portal.ct.gov/HUSKY) has information for those who will retain coverage, and those who may no longer be eligible. 2. Health plan websites, such as anthem.com/staycovered, offer simple, easy-to-use consumer tools to check plan options, costs, and eligibility. One positive in this post-pandemic world is the number of insured Americans is at an all-time high. We must take care to ensure we don't take a step backward by letting people fall through the cracks. Together, it's important we raise awareness of these Medicaid renewals and provide guidance as people seek new healthcare options. In good health, Lou Gianquinto, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut SPONSORED CONTENT

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