Healthcare Open Enrollment Critical as 9 Million People Have Lost Medicaid Coverage Since April

Now is the time to sign up for healthcare coverage for 2024. Open enrollment, happening in most states from November 1 - January 15, is especially important this year because millions of people have lost Medicaid coverage. To help people navigate insurance changes and options, the American Lung Association offers tools and information at Lung.org/openenrollment. 

Since April 1, more than 9 million people in the U.S. have lost healthcare coverage because of changes to Medicaid coverage policy since the end of the COVID 19 pandemic. Many people are still eligible for Medicaid and the Lung Association urges them to contact their state Medicaid program as soon as possible to have their case reconsidered, appeal or reapply. For others, they will benefit from insurance options at Healthcare.gov through the Affordable Care Act.

“Everyone needs quality and affordable healthcare coverage. Healthcare is important for all, but especially for the 34 million people in the U.S. with lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “The Lung Association is deeply concerned by the millions of people who have lost Medicaid coverage over the past few months. During this change, it is possible that people could lose their healthcare coverage and not even be aware of it until they visit their healthcare provider or go to pick up a prescription. This is why it is so important to inform people about these changes and take action.”

Here are 6 things to know about this year’s open enrollment: 

1. Timing: People can sign up for quality and affordable healthcare coverage through Healthcare.gov from November 1 to January 15 in most states. 
2. Budget: Healthcare.gov can help people find a plan that works for their budget. Financial assistance is available to help eligible people afford quality coverage. Four out of five enrollees in marketplace plans can find plans that cost less than $10 a month.
3. Watch for “Junk” plans: There are many substandard or “junk” plans on the market that will not provide adequate coverage, especially for people with a pre-existing condition. These are not sold on Healthcare.gov.
4. Medicaid Information: For people who still have Medicaid coverage, it is important to make sure Medicaid has your current mailing address, phone number, email or other contact information. This way, they’ll be able to contact you about your coverage when you need to renew.
5. What to do if you lost Medicaid Coverage: For people who lost Medicaid coverage and believe they are still eligible, contact your state Medicaid program as soon as possible to have your case reconsidered, appeal or reapply. If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid coverage, visit Healthcare.gov to find a new plan that works for you.
6. Where to go: Visit Healthcare.gov to enroll. The American Lung Association has tools and information to help people choose a plan at Lung.org/openenrollment.