Medicaid Redetermination Process

Posted March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023 update:

Throughout the pandemic, all Medicaid members received continuous uninterrupted coverage amid the public health emergency. Med-QUEST Division will begin reaching out to members in March 2023 to let them know what month their eligibility will be redetermined. This eligibility renewal work will begin in April and be spread out across 12 months.

Waimānalo Health Center Outreach staff are here to assist you to update your contact information and answer questions about the Medicaid Redetermination Process. We may be reached by walk-in at any location or by phone at (808) 259-7948. Ask for Māmaki.

Please visit https://medquest.hawaii.gov/en/members-applicants/already-covered/Stay_Well_Stay_Covered_Toolkit.html for more information and frequently asked questions.

May 19, 2023 update: 

Med-QUEST is sending pink letters that contain information on eligibility renewal.

Some are asking “What if I’m no longer eligible for Medicaid?” Waimānalo Health Center Outreach staff are here to help and can be reached by walk-in at any location or by phone at (808) 259-7948. Ask for Māmaki. Mahalo.

If it is determined that a member is no longer eligible for Medicaid, what happens?

A member who is no longer eligible, will receive:

• Notice of when your enrollment will end,
• Information on how to appeal that decision if you believe the disenrollment was in error, and
• Information about other health care coverage options available from Healthcare.gov

If a member is no longer eligible for Medicaid, where can he/she find health care coverage?

• If you need coverage but no longer qualify for Med-QUEST, visit the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.Gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596.
• If you need additional assistance navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace, MQD’s Health Care Outreach Branch as well as its community partner organizations (listed at medquest.hawaii.gov/gethelp) can assist with this transition. Some of the Med-QUEST Health Plans may also assist their exiting members with the transition from Medicaid to the Marketplace.
• Veterans may also find more health care resources at VA Pacific Islands Health Care.

August 11 2023 update: 

• Any renewal form received by Med-QUEST within 90 days from case termination date are still deemed eligible, and coverage will begin from the termination date providing uninterrupted coverage.
• Didn’t receive your Renewal Letter? Med-QUEST is continuing to mail out letters. Keep a look out for a pink envelope with instructions on eligibility renewal.
• No longer eligible for Medicaid? Unsure how to submit your updates? Waimānalo Health Center Outreach staff are here to help! They can be reached at any location or at (808) 259-7948. Please ask for Māmaki. Mahalo.

September 11, 2023 update: TERMINATIONS PAUSED

Effective August 31, 2023, all terminations, statewide, have been paused for the remainder of 2023. Coverage will continue through at least the end of 2023 without interruption except for those who voluntarily ask Med-QUEST to end their coverage, those who have moved out of state, or those who are deceased. 

• What’s next?
  • If Med-QUEST can successfully auto-renew your eligibility, they will renew and mail a pink letter confirming your renewed coverage.
  • If Med-QUEST is unable to auto-renew your coverage,  your renewal date will be pushed out to a new month in 2024. In the interim, your coverage will remain active. Notice of the new renewal month will be mailed to you.
• What to do: If you’ve received a pink letter with Med-QUEST renewal form already, please submit updates by the due date.