The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) has officially ended as of May 11, 2023. This marks the close of a very difficult chapter in history. COVID-19 is still a dangerous virus, but the World Health Organization has stated that it is no longer an emergency.
With the end of the PHE comes the end of extra health care benefits for millions of Americans. Please review to see if any of the coverage or services you get may be affected
End of Continuous Medicaid Coverage
During the Public Health Emergency, Medicaid/CHIP coverage was extended continuously to ensure that no one lost their benefits during the pandemic. These coverage renewals ended on March 31, 2023. If you or your child have Medicaid or CHIP, your coverage will be (or may have already been) reviewed and redetermined by Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC). It is important that HHSC has your contact information on file so that they can reach out to you with any questions or requests for information. If you do not respond to requests from HHSC, you could lose your coverage. Please review the steps you should take NOW to keep your Medicaid/CHIP coverage if you are eligible at RenewMyTexasBenefits.com.
Reinstatment of CHIP Copays
For most types of doctor visits scheduled on or after May 12, 2023, CHIP Members will have to pay a copay. You will not have to copay for the following types of doctor visits:
- Checkups
- Mental health and substance use disorder treatment services
- COVID-19-related office visits for COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatment
The amount you’ll need to copay is listed on your CHIP Member ID card. For more information, read our Member News Post about CHIP Copay Reinstatements.
FAIR HEARINGS
The time frame for Members to request a Fair Hearing has returned to 120 days, and the number of days that HHSC has to make a Fair Hearing determination has returned to 60-90 days.
Click to learn more about the Fair Hearing deadline.
Other News
- If you/your child has Medicaid, COVID-19 at-home tests and PCR testing at your doctor will continue to be covered at no cost through September 2024.
- COVID vaccines and boosters will remain free for people with and without insurance.
- If you/your child recently lost or will lose Medicaid/CHIP, you can apply for a plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace® as soon as you know your coverage end date during a special enrollment period. Learn more at CommunityFirstMarketplace.com.
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