As trusted, community-based leaders with a large following and network, park and recreation professionals often serve as connectors to other essential health and social services. This may include sharing resources and connecting people to services like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), mental or behavioral health services, or Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) temporarily waived certain Medicaid and CHIP requirements and conditions, preventing millions of people from losing their health insurance. In early 2023, these waivers expired and some states have resumed eligibility requirements.
To help community members navigate these changes, renew their coverage, or find other healthcare options, CMS released a new Communications Toolkit. Park and recreation professionals can utilize this toolkit which includes graphics, sample language for newsletters and social media, scripts and more, to share messages and guidance with community members and community-based partners.
You can download the toolkit in English and Spanish, as well as Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Tagalog and Vietnamese. You can also use the text from the drop-in article below to communicate the Medicaid and CHIP program changes to your community via your own channels:
Important Changes Coming to [Name of State Medicaid or CHIP program Eligibility]By the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Do you or a family member currently have health coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)? If so, you may soon need to take steps to find out if you can continue your coverage. Soon, states will resume Medicaid and CHIP eligibility reviews. This means some people with Medicaid or CHIP could be disenrolled from those programs. However, they may be eligible to buy a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace ®, and get help paying for it. Here are some things you can do to prepare: Make sure your address is up to date Make sure your state has your current mailing address, phone number, email, or other contact information. This way, they’ll be able to contact you about your Medicaid or CHIP coverage. Check your mail Your state will mail you a letter about your Medicaid or CHIP coverage. This letter will also let you know if you need to complete a renewal form to see if you still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. If you get a renewal form, fill it out and return it to your state right away. This may help you avoid a gap in your coverage. What if you don’t qualify for Medicaid or CHIP? If you or a family member no longer qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, you may be able to buy a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace®. Marketplace plans are:
Visit HealthCare.gov to find Marketplace plans and see if you might save on premiums. When you apply, don’t forget to include current information about your household, income, and your state’s recent decision about your Medicaid or CHIP coverage. Get more information
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Allison Colman (she/her) is NRPA’s senior director of programs.