In the third week of May, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services did not notify states that the federal public health emergency (PHE) related to the COVID-19 pandemic would end July 15. As you will recall, the Biden administration has committed to giving states 60 days of notice before the PHE ends to prepare for the unwinding process that will impact Medicaid eligibility redeterminations, programmatic related accommodations, and waivers that enable wide flexibilities to support service delivery including telehealth, and the enhance FMAP. No such notice was given to states this month, indicating that HHS is expected to renew the PHE by July 15 for another 90 days or through October 15. This means states should know by August 14, 2022, whether the PHE will be extended beyond October 15. Click here for a visualization of the PHE extension/unwinding process from Health Management Associates.

The Ohio Council has previously shared information regarding the Ohio General Assembly’s request of ODM to conduct Medicaid member eligibility redetermination within 60 days of the end of the PHE as was outlined in the FY22-23 budget, HB 110. However, ODM must also continue to follow federal regulations and guidance. CMS provided states with guidance that they cannot re-determine more than one ninth of their total Medicaid enrollments in any month following the end of the PHE. On a webinar May 18, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) shared details of the unwinding process for Medicaid eligibility redetermination and how they intend balance the requirements of HB 110 and federal requirements. Click here for slides from that webinar.

Bottom line, the PHE unwinding process will be complicated and require diligence in supporting Medicaid eligibility redeterminations give the high volume of individuals we serve in the Medicaid program. Ohio Council staff will continue to monitor the situation and give updates in future E-Bulletins.