Summary

Before the pandemic, people had to re-enroll for Medicaid every year by submitting paperwork. That was suspended when COVID hit, but starting this month, Medicaid recipients have to make sure they are enrolled again. Not everyone will receive a notice or complete the applications on time and many will fall through the cracks due to changing addresses or language barriers. For a transcript of this story, click here . Key term Medicaid = A federal program that provides health insurance for qualifying low-income individuals and families. News wrap alternative : Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching! You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

Five Facts

• How many people in the U.S. currently rely on Medicaid, according to this story?


• Who will be effected by the end of the emergency expansion of Medicaid?


• What is the original reason for suspending rules about re-enrolling every year?


• When did the emergency rules for Medicaid begin, and when are they set to end?


• Why will many fail to re-enroll, according to this story?

Focus Questions

This story identifies knowledge of the process of re-enrollment as one of the major barriers for many keeping Medicaid. Why do you think this barrier exists, and what do you think is the best way to make sure those eligible are able to enroll? Media Literacy: Do you think this story makes it clear why people aren't automatically enrolled without having to reapply periodically? Alternative : See, Think, Wonder : What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?

For More

What students can do : As a class, read this article and discuss the lead story of Kelly Oldfield. Based on what you now know about Medicaid, what do you think would be the best way to make sure Oldfield continues to get the medicine she needs?

 

High angle view looking down at a senior woman sitting on a leather sofa at home and holding a blue daily pill box organizer. The woman is taking her daily dose of vitamins and prescription medications. Cropped shot does not show the woman's face

STUDENT VIDEO OF THE DAY

“This high school cafe employs its students” via Student Reporting Labs

---

Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each morning.