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Changes to SNAP and Medicaid are underway

Omayra Acevedo
Posted 3/24/23

In Colorado, roughly 1.7 million people are food deprived or not making enough money to afford health insurance. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 80% of Coloradans are

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Changes to SNAP and Medicaid are underway

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In Colorado, roughly 1.7 million people are food deprived or not making enough money to afford health insurance. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 80% of Coloradans are eligible for SNAP benefits, of whom 66% are working poor people. Nearly 10% cannot afford health insurance.

At 6 p.m. on March 16, 2023, Boulder County Housing and Human Services (BCHHS) hosted an informative webinar about the drastic changes to Colorado’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Health First Colorado (Medicaid) taking place in 2023.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government distributed temporary additional benefit amounts for its SNAP program, also known as emergency allotments. Due to recent federal congressional action, SNAP benefits returned to normal levels after February 2023.

Though emergency allotments are ending, members (people receiving government benefits) may see higher calculated benefits than those received three years ago, with an average of $90 per person.

Among the changes is the renewal process, which has not changed much except going back to pre-covid guidelines, meaning everyone needs to reapply for benefits every year on their renewal date, beginning in May.

The state or counties can’t extend the emergency allotment benefits, as they must adhere to federal guidelines. Those already on SNAP benefits will continue receiving them as long as they meet eligibility requirements.

Benefit amounts are based on several factors, including household size, income, and specific circumstances. Another government program thousands have benefitted from since the pandemic began is Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program, as well as the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+).

Anyone approved for Medicaid auto-renewal doesn’t need to take action. Benefits automatically renew every year. Anyone not previously approved for auto-renewal must go through the renewal process to requalify for Health First Colorado or CHP+. Yes, even if there are no changes to report.

Renewal packets have started to be sent in February but are accessible online. As long as the contact information on file is correct, renewals should be received 60-70 days before the deadline.

Renewals must be completed and signed to avoid any setbacks. Individual renewal month coincides with the month Health First Colorado, or CHP+ coverage started. For example, if coverage began in June 2022, you would be up for renewal in June 2023. You would have to take action in May 2023.

People losing their Medicaid or CHP+ benefits can go online to the Connect For Health Colorado website to find out if they qualify for financial assistance that helps cover health benefits costs.

Depending on income, financial assistance may be available through the marketplace, but enrollments must occur during special enrollment periods – 60 days before losing Medicaid. This service is available until June 2024. If job-based insurance is more than 9.1% of your salary, you may qualify for financial assistance that helps pay for insurance.

Citizens over 65 on a duo Medicare/ Medicaid plan still need to renew their Medicaid portion of their benefits to see which Medicaid categories they may qualify for. Whether you’re on SNAP, CHP+, or Medicaid, you can contact your caseworker directly with questions.

Health insurance resources

Veteran health care: https://www. va.gov/health-care/

Active military information: https:// www.tricare.mil/

Connect For Health Colorado: https://connectforhealthco.com/wecan help/

SNAP resources

https://cdhs.colorado.gov/snap

General benefits and information

resources

www.CO.gov/PEAK

https://cdhs.colorado.gov/

Boulder County resources and contact

SNAP: https://bouldercounty.gov/ families/food/snap-max-allotments/

Health Insurance Assistance: https://bouldercounty.gov/families/medical/health-insurance-assistance/

515 Coffman Street, Longmont

3460 Broadway, Boulder

Mail: P.O. Box 471

Boulder, CO 80306

303-441-1000

Automated information

End of SNAP max allotment questions: 1-800-816-4451

Medicare: 303-441-1546

Other resources

Temporary assistance for needy families (CO works): https://cdhs. colorado.gov/colorado-works

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) https://cdhs.colorado. gov/leap

Hunger free co hotline: 1-855-855-4626 or https://hungerfreecolorado.org/

Community food share (all boulder county): https://communityfoodshare.org/

Sister Carmen Community Center (Lafayette Louisville Superior, Erie): https://sistercarmen.org/

OUR Center (Longmont, Northern Mountain): https://www.ourcenter.org/

Emergency Family Assistance Association (Boulder, Southern Mountains): https://www.efaa.org/

Lyons: https://leaflyons.org/

Colorado Food Distribution: https:// cdhs.colorado.gov/csfp

Ned Food Pantry: https:// nederlandfoodpantry.org/

Gilpin County: https://gilpincounty. colorado.gov/