UnitedHealthcare has begun requiring its recipients to re-verify eligibility for Medicaid for the first time since March 2020.
At the Callaway Resource Network Meeting on Thursday, Shelby Miller, UnitedHealthcare Representative, asked 22 Callaway County outreach representatives to help her notify the public about the new policy change.
"It's definitely partners like you that help us because I know you guys see these people more," Miller said.
"If they forget or we can't get a hold of them, and they don't do it, they're gonna lose the coverage, and as you guys know, this is our population that's really really hard to get ahold of," Miller said. "It's gonna be really difficult, so I think having organizations like you guys know that too. When people are coming into your office it's gonna be really key and helping us."
During the meeting, Miller explained to the organization what the re-verification process will look like, so the organization can better aid individuals its outreaches to.
Individuals who receive United Healthcare insurance will receive a letter in the mail, asking for them to renew their information. Recipients began being notified in April, and notification will continue throughout the year. The letter will most likely be yellow this month, Miller said.
The Family Support Division, Miller said, will ex parte some individuals. Through this, the division will check to see if the recipient is automatically eligible for benefits, without having to update information. These individuals will still receive a decision letter notifying them of this.
Recipients can verify information online, in person, by phone or by mail, but can not re-verify updated information until the person receives the letter of request, she said.
The deadline for the renewal will be stated in the letter, after the deadline the insurance will end. Individuals have 90 days after the case closure before they have to reapply for the insurance, Miller added.
To verify in person, Fulton residents can visit Fulton Resource Center at 108 North Hospital Dr. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday. For mail renewal, send the paperwork to the address stated in the letter. To renew via phone, call 855-373-4636, according to the Missouri Department of Social Services website.
Eligibility for UnitedHealthcare is determined by an individual's income, age, health and individual needs, according to the Missouri Department of Social Services website.
Miller wrapped up her presentation by explaining the benefits offered to United Healthcare members. It offers dental care, prenatal care, transportation, asthma supplies, gym memberships for adults, YMCA memberships for children, breast pumps for mothers and more.