Health Law News
May 1, 2020
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SSI Beneficiaries With Kids: Act By May 5th To Get
Your Dependent’s Stimulus Payment!
In April, the federal government began sending stimulus payments to individuals as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Most people receive $1,200, plus another $500 for each of their children under age 17. There has been confusing and conflicting information released on this subject, especially as it pertains to recipients of Social Security benefits.
SSI recipients with dependent children who are seeking the extra $500 payment per child need to complete the IRS “Non-Filer” application form online by May 5. SSI recipients will receive their $1,200 stimulus money automatically, but the money for any children under 17 will be delayed if the Non-Filer Application form is not completed by May 5.
Read more on our website.
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Health Insurance Coverage Options Following COVID-19 Layoffs
Pennsylvanians have several health insurance options through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) through the ACA are available to consumers who experience various life changes, including the loss of employer-sponsored health care coverage. Medicaid and CHIP coverage are available to families and individuals that meet the eligibility requirements for those programs.
Read more on our website.
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Impact of COVID-19 Financial Assistance to Households
on Health Insurance Eligibility
The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes financial assistance to stimulate the economy and assist those struggling during the economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 emergency. The two main types of financial assistance for individuals and families are stimulus payments and expanded unemployment compensation. Here we summarize whether and how each impacts eligibility for Medicaid, CHIP, and subsidized Marketplace insurance.
Read more on our website.
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Updates on Community HealthChoices
The 180-day continuity of care period for Community Health Choices (CHC) partcipants getting long-term services and supports (LTSS) at home ends on June 30, 2020. After that date, CHC plans can change participants’ LTSS providers and CHC plans can terminate, reduce, or change the type and amount of LTSS partcipants receive. This assumes that the state has lifted the COVID 19 emergency by June 30th. If the state of emergency remains in place on July 1, CHC plans cannot reduce LTSS.
Read more on our website.
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PA’s Medicaid Enrollment Could Increase by 1 Million
By the end of April more than one million Pennsylvania residents had filed unemployment compensation claims since the coronavirus began taking a severe toll on the economy. This economic downturn is expected to impact Medicaid, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, since households that lose significant income can qualify for Medicaid. According to Kaiser, when the unemployment rate peaked at 10 percent in October 2009 during the Great Recession, Medicaid enrollment and spending increased significantly across the nation.
Read more on our website.
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