Question: What is Medicaid unwinding? Why am I getting a renewal packet?

Answer: A public health emergency (PHE) was declared from 2020-2023 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the PHE, all US residents with Medicaid were not required to complete yearly renewal paperwork and could keep their coverage until the end of the PHE, even if they no longer qualify. In February of 2023, the PHE ended and states began asking people to renew their Medicaid coverage.

There are 3 steps to renew your Medicaid coverage:

1. Update your address with KanCare to make sure you get your renewal packet

2. Complete your packet and return it to KanCare

3. Keep an eye on the mail for follow-up requests from KanCare

If you don’t complete your renewal, your Medicaid will be cancelled.

Question: I sent in my renewal packet but lost my Medicaid because they said I don’t qualify anymore. What’s up with that?

Answer: Kansas has very strict rules around who can have Medicaid. Typically, the only people who qualify are low income and one of the follow populations: children, pregnant people, elderly, or disabled. Adults without children who aren’t deemed disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or adults with children who have higher incomes do not qualify for Medicaid. In other states, like Missouri, these folks would qualify for Medicaid because they changed the Medicaid qualifications in accordance with the Affordable Care Act. Kansas is one of the few states left who has not expanded Medicaid eligibility to low income adults.

Questions: How do I figure out when my renewal date is?

Answer: Call the KanCare Clearinghouse (1-800-792-4884). You can also call your Managed Care Organization (MCO) which is the number on the back of your Medicaid card but their information might not be accurate.

Question: I turned in my Medicaid renewal packet late so my coverage was canceled. I have an urgent medical need - what should I do?

Answer: If you haven’t turned in your renewal packet, do it as soon as possible. Then, call the KanCare Clearinghouse (1-800-792-4884) and ask them to expedite your renewal. You can also call us and we can advocate for an expedited renewal with your authorization.

Question: I turned in my Kansas Medicaid renewal packet a while ago but haven’t heard anything back. Now what?

Answer: Try to relax! The KanCare Clearinghouse is behind on processing renewals and applications so it will take longer than usual to get confirmation that your application was received. Most people won’t lose their coverage as long as they turned in their renewal. If you are really anxious and want to know for sure, you can call the KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800-792-4884 but the hold times are long and they may not be able to tell you anything until your application is processed.

Question: I filled out my renewal packet and want to upload it to my online KanCare account but I am having trouble. What should I do?

Answer: Create a new online application. It will take less time to complete a whole new application than troubleshoot connecting them. KanCare will see that someone with a pending renewal submitted a new application and use that information to renew your coverage.