As part of a national reassessment of Medicaid, the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) MedQUEST Division is asking for those receiving Medicaid coverage to update their contact information and to look for the white and pink envelopes arriving in the mail. This is a big deal since 61% of KKV's patients receive Medicaid. DHS and other state agencies had stopped reviewing Medicaid eligibility status during the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to provide emergency coverage. But now, DHS has started sending out redetermination letters, which are certain to create anxiety and even fear among Kalihi residents. The redetermination process will take one year. 

KKV's Intake and Eligibility team is launching a campaign to re-enroll our patients. This will include posting flyers in the exam rooms, dental site, and BH rooms. Informational language posters will also be in all waiting areas, including Na Koa. Staff will be stationed at the front of each of KKV's clinics to hand out brochures and talk with patients. 

The team will also send out text messages and Instagram posting to alert patients about re-enrollment. Partnering with our insurance providers, the team can gather info on which patients are due for renewal and try to schedule an appointment for the same month. 
Rose Kaminanga, who oversees KKV's Medicaid campaign, says, "We’re not trying to cause panic, but we need to make sure info is updated and let everyone know to open, check, and read mail. Staff can help explain what the letter is for and help through any language barriers. If anyone has trouble losing their form or not receiving a pink envelope, we can help. Losing coverage may happen, but we can walk through every next step together.” 

For more information, listen to Hawaii Public Radio. Here is an FAQ from the hawaii.gov website.