Dear Neighbor, As you may have seen in the news, there are some important developments in Medicaid and in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  If you are enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, or if you know someone who is and may benefit from this information, we want to share this news.  As of April 1, Americans on Medicaid must sign up for the program again to renew their coverage.  At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).  In order to keep people healthy throughout the pandemic, the FFCRA included a requirement that CHIP keep people enrolled in health insurance throughout the public health emergency.  As the public health emergency has now come to an end, so has this enrollment requirement.  That means people may lose their coverage.  Some individuals who may lose their current coverage, however, may be eligible for new health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace or through employer-sponsored coverage.  Below are the steps to take to check coverage and update information. To renew Medicaid or CHIP coverage:If you need to renew your coverage, you should receive a letter in a yellow envelope in the mail from Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC), or you will get an email or text message informing you there is a letter posted to your account if you signed up for electronic notices through the YourTexasBenefits.com website.Return renewal packets or requests for information as soon as possible.  You must respond within 30 days.If you respond to renewal or information requests on time, your coverage will continue while HHSC reviews your eligibility.The best way to see if you need to renew your coverage or to complete your renewal application is to create an account at YourTexasBenefits.com, if you don’t already have one, or on the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.You can also call 2-1-1 and choose Option 2 after picking a language, but the wait times may be long depending on call volume and staff availability. You can also visit a local office or community partner to check your coverage status or renew in person.  To find an HHSC office or a community partner, visit YourTexasBenefits.com/Screener/FindAnOffice. No longer eligible for Medicaid?If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, you may be eligible for an ACA marketplace plan.  You can go to HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to learn more or find someone to help you with your application. For more information, visit the HHSC End of Continuous Medicaid Coverage FAQ. As always, we are here to help you.  Please call our office at (713) 353-8680 or (202) 225-2571 or email here at any time to ask for assistance or share your thoughts.  We look forward to hearing from you.   Best wishes,