Medicaid Client Participation during the Public Health Emergency

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Washington State Department of Social & Health Services

Aging and Long-Term Support Administration

                  November 30, 2020

Under the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), the Department has maintained the amount clients pay towards their cost of care if a change would have caused an increase. On the client letter this is called participation. Participation is calculated based on income and allowable deductions. (Chapter 182-515 WAC and WAC 182-513-1380).

The Federal Government published a new regulation which permits states to adjust participation during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. 42 C.F.R. § 433.400(c)(3). This rule is effective on 11/3/2020.

In response, the department will be reviewing and adjusting the participation clients are responsible to pay based on current income and allowable deductions.   On cases where there is a change, a letter will be issued to reflect the client responsibility towards their cost of care.

During the PHE, Medicaid will continue unless a client is no longer a Washington state resident, the client requests termination, or is deceased.