To date, West Virginia has determined 58,390 consumers eligible for Medicaid expansion.
"This letter provides West Virginians a streamlined process by which to have eligibility determined for Medicaid expansion" Bowling said. "We are pleased with our enrollment numbers thus far, but are continuing our outreach efforts to make this process simple and convenient and to let folks know they may qualify for Medicaid."
The recipients of the second letter received a simple form (attached) asking if they wish to auto-enroll in Medicaid coverage. A response from the recipients is requested by December 18, 2013 to their local DHHR office. Applicants will be notified on their eligibility by late December 2013.
The Affordable Care Act of 2010 gave states, including West Virginia, the option to expand their Medicaid program to include individuals who were not previously eligible. In 2013, West Virginia chose to expand Medicaid coverage.
"If you are between the ages of 19 and 64, you may qualify for Medicaid with coverage starting January 2014," Bowling added.
Eligibility for Medicaid will depend on two factors: modified adjusted income and the size of the household. Household size is determined based on who can be claimed on a federal tax return such as the head of the household, spouse, dependent children (biological, adopted, or stepchildren), and other relatives or non-relatives who qualify as dependents.
There are a variety of ways for West Virginians to apply for Medicaid, including: