Alerts

Alabama Medicaid Recipients to Remain Eligible during COVID-19 Emergency

3/31/2020



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Effective March 18, 2020, the Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid) will not terminate individuals from Medicaid coverage during the emergency period if they were enrolled in the program in March 2020, or became enrolled during the emergency period, unless the individual voluntarily terminated eligibility or is no longer a resident of the state.

 

This is in response to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act passed by Congress in March to help recipients keep their Medicaid during the Coronavirus emergency. Recipients who display in the system as a closed case in March 2020, will be reopened as soon as possible. Providers can contact the AVRS (Automated Voice Response System) to verify eligibility of recipients by calling 1-800-727-7848.

 

Medicaid encourages recipients to continue to complete renewals and to report changes to the Agency to avoid a disruption in coverage after the emergency ends.

 

During the COVID-19 emergency, it is important to file claims as quickly as possible to ensure payment from Medicaid is made to Medicaid providers close to the date of service. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has increased the federal matching percentage for the emergency time frame, but states can only receive the increased match on claims that are paid during the emergency.