The Medicaid Unwinding process will begin on April 1 and will affect millions of Virginians.

Unwinding is the process of redetermining eligibility for all current Medicaid recipients, something that has not been done since the public health emergency began in March 2020. The unwinding process will not affect every Medicaid recipient at the same time; this will be a lengthy process for the local Departments of Social Services.

Re-enrollment paperwork will be mailed to current recipients according to their original enrollment month, better known at their “anniversary date.”

“Please make sure that the forms are filled out accurately and include all requested information,” said Peggy Burcham of the Carroll County Department of Social Services (DSS). “If you also have Medicare, please send in your most recent bank statement and the cash value of any life insurance policies.”

Returning the application and all requested forms prior to the deadline date will make the process go smoother. Applicants should receive notification in about a month after the deadline if everything has been returned. DSS may also be able to perform an “ex-parte” renewal if the recipient checks the box to allow DSS staff to look at your current tax information the last time you enrolled.

Two of the main reasons for Medicaid denial are not returning the paperwork on time and being over the income limit. The current income limits, for ages 19-64, are set at 138% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which are as follows, based on family size:

  • 1 person — monthly income $1,677; yearly income $20,120
  • 2 people — monthly income $2,268; yearly income $27,214
  • 3 people — monthly income $2,859; yearly income $34,307
  • 4 people — monthly income $3,450; yearly income $41,400
  • 5 people — monthly income $4,041; yearly income $48,493
  • 6 people — monthly income $4,632; yearly income $55,586

“Please contact your local department of social services to ensure that they have the correct mailing address,” Burcham said.

If you should lose your Medicaid coverage, don’t lose hope. There is help available. The Free Clinic of the Twin Counties provides quality healthcare for uninsured residents of Virginia.

The clinic is open Tuesdays from noon-8 p.m., Wednesdaysand Thursdays from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m.-noon.

The clinic offers in-person Spanish interpretation on Tuesdays from 5-8 p.m. and on Saturdays. The clinic is a low-cost way — only $25 a year — to ensure that quality health care is maintained, especially for people who have long-term conditions that require monitoring and treatment such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The Free Clinic of the Twin Counties also has programs that may help with the medications needed.

Everyone ages 13 and older are welcome at the Free Clinic.

During the Medicaid Unwinding process, if you find yourself without insurance, or currently do not have health insurance, contact the Free Clinic of the Twin Counties at 276-236-0421 during the times listed above. The clinic could be able to help. You can also visit galaxfreeclinic.org for more information and a printable application.

The Free Clinic of the Twin Counties is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. To make a donation, mail a check to: The Free Clinic of the Twin Counties, 140 Larkspur Lane, Suite C, Galax, VA 24333.