Medicaid to Restart Annual Reviews

On January 30, 2023, President Joe Biden announced his intention to the end the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023. This affects every Medicaid recipient because, during the Public Health Emergency ("PHE"), annual reviews and Medicaid disqualification were paused. Meaning, if a Medicaid recipient's assets climbed above the asset threshold--the State government could not kick them off of Medicaid. This is all changing.

Annual Reviews to Restart April 1

Prior to the official end of the PHE, Missouri's Medicaid program, MO HealthNet, will start accepting Annual Reviews on April 1, 2023. Many Medicaid recipients have never completed an Annual Review.

What is an Annual Review?

Annual Reviews are also known as "reinvestigations," "reauthorization," or "recertification." The purpose is to make sure that the Medicaid recipient is still qualified for Medicaid benefits, and they have not transferred or gifted any assets in the previous year to stay qualified for Medicaid. Medicaid reviews bank accounts, income, accounts, and other assets, similar to what they review during the application process.

If Fortified Elder Law or another elder law attorney is helping you complete your Annual Review, it is important to give copies of your 3 most recent bank statements and your most recent income statements (Social Security letter, pension statements, pay stubs, etc.) to them as soon as possible.

What should I do if have more money than I should?

You should contact Fortified Elder Law or your elder law attorney as soon as possible. An experienced Elder Law Attorney should be able to give suggestions on how to spend your funds in a way to avoid Medicaid penalties.

Reach out to our office at 417-530-4529 for more information.