Florida Health Justice Project releases video to assist 19 and 20-year-olds at risk of losing medicaid
This is the second training video and materials prepared for legal services staff, navigators, health-care providers, and others who will assist Florida Medicaid recipients after the continuous coverage requirement ends
The Florida Health Justice Project has released a training video to assist 19 and 20-year-olds at risk of losing Medicaid coverage in 2023 when pandemic coverage provisions expire.
This is the second training video and materials prepared for legal services staff, navigators, health-care providers, and others who will assist Florida Medicaid recipients after the continuous coverage requirement ends.
Throughout the pandemic, states have provided continuous Medicaid coverage in exchange for increased federal funding. Thus, even individuals who no longer meet technical eligibility requirements for the state’s Medicaid program have remained insured.
This ongoing coverage provision has been a critical benefit for Florida residents who have relied on Medicaid during the pandemic, and the increased federal funding far exceeded the state’s additional costs in providing coverage, according to the Florida Health Justice Project.
“While many of the parents and caregivers will lose their current Medicaid given Florida’s meager income limits and lack of Medicaid expansion, 19 and 20-years-olds can retain their Medicaid in special circumstances,” said Miriam Harmatz, Florida Health Justice Project’s advocacy director and co-creator of the video, along with Jay Jefferson, the project’s multimedia specialist, “but there is an urgent need for outreach and education.”
Stephen Pitel, staff attorney at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid’s Medical Legal Partnership, said the Florida Health Justice Project’s video and accompanying materials: ‘Preparing for the Public Health Emergency’s ‘Unwind’ of Continuous Medicaid Coverage’ has been “incredibly helpful” as he routinely works with families with these concerns.
“The video provided me with a quick update on where things stand with Medicaid and the public health emergency and what I need to know when talking to affected individuals about their options and how to prepare for the eventual end of the emergency,” Pitel said. “The accompanying materials are also helpful as a resource tool. I have shared the materials with the numerous social workers with whom I work closely so that they can also use it when they are discussing these issues with families.”
Earlier this year, FHJP released an overview video explaining the structure of Florida’s Medicaid program, including who is eligible for coverage and how to determine the income eligibility for different family members, as well as explaining why so many of Florida’s parents and caregivers are likely to lose Medicaid after the continuous coverage requirement ends.
“These videos, along with our other educational materials on [public health emergency] related website exemplify our mission and work,” Harmatz said. “Through collaboration with local, state and national partners, we’re providing essential resources for Florida’s legal aid staff, navigators, social service and health-providers and pro bono advocates who will be helping low-income children, youth, parents, and persons with disabilities maintain health care.”
