More than 2.5 million Texans benefited from continuous Medicaid coverage during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), which ended on May 11, triggering an “unwinding” process with far-reaching consequences for patients and physicians alike.
Texas Medicaid jumpstarted this unwinding in early April, as required by the federal law, and now is in the process of redetermining the eligibility of all its enrollees, nearly six million people, including seniors and people with disabilities. Although some patients, especially children, will remain eligible for Medicaid or other programs, more than one million Texans are expected to lose coverage because they are no longer eligible or because of difficulties navigating the renewal process. There also is concern that children and other Medicaid patients will experience gaps in care because they or their families don't realize they must re-enroll.
To help practices improve continuity of care for such patients and mitigate a potential increase in uncompensated care, the Texas Medical Association will host a free live webinar on Tuesday, June 20, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm CT.
Medicaid Continuous Eligibility Unwinding – Preparing Your Patients and Your Practice is geared toward physicians, and physician participants will be eligible for 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, 1 ethics credit. Practice administrators and staff also are welcome to attend.
The webinar agenda includes:
- An overview of the unwinding process;
- A review of state and federal health plans for which Texas patients may be eligible if they lose Medicaid coverage, with a focus on programs for postpartum women and parents; and
- A guide for physicians interested in participating in such programs.
To register, email Leslie Jones, TMA senior operations coordinator, with your name and contact information by 4 pm on Monday, June 19.
This webinar is one of several TMA events exploring the end of the PHE and, with it, several flexibilities related to telehealth coverage, virtual physician supervision of nonphysician practitioners, and continuous Medicaid coverage. Find more information on TMA’s Ask the Expert Series webpage.
Last Updated On
August 09, 2023
Originally Published On
May 12, 2023
Emma Freer
Associate Editor
(512) 370-1383