In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a critical shift has taken place in the American healthcare system—one that’s gone largely unnoticed by many, but has serious consequences for thousands of Veterans and their families. With the expiration of pandemic-era protections, states are now reevaluating Medicaid eligibility, leading to millions losing their health coverage.
For Veterans not enrolled in VA health care, this change is more than a bureaucratic adjustment; it’s a health crisis in the making. At Veterans Guardian, we’re sounding the alarm and working to make sure Veterans understand their options, take action, and avoid losing essential care.
What Changed with Medicaid, and Why It Matters for Veterans
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, states were required to keep people continuously enrolled in Medicaid. This “continuous coverage” provision helped millions, including low-income Veterans, maintain access to medical care, behavioral health services, and long-term support.
That protection ended in 2023, and now every state is reviewing Medicaid eligibility under normal procedures. This process, known as “Medicaid unwinding,” has already caused millions to be disenrolled, sometimes because of missing paperwork, incorrect contact info, or simply not responding to mail.
For Veterans who don’t regularly interact with the VA, this change can be devastating. Medicaid may be their only source of medical coverage, particularly for:
- Mental health and PTSD treatment
- Long-term care
- Home and community-based services
- Prescription medications
Sudden loss of coverage can mean missed treatments, unaffordable medications, or even hospitalization.
Veterans Outside the VA System Are Especially Vulnerable
Contrary to popular belief, not all Veterans receive health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many rely on Medicaid because:
- They don’t qualify for VA health care
- They find the VA system difficult to navigate
- Their local VA facilities are too far away
- They need services the VA doesn’t cover, such as long-term home care
In these cases, Medicaid is a vital safety net and losing it could lead to a healthcare vacuum.
Unfortunately, many of these Veterans don’t even know their coverage is at risk until it’s gone.
The Awareness Gap: Why So Many Veterans Are Falling Through the Cracks
Despite efforts from the VA and nonprofit organizations, outreach has been inconsistent. Some Veterans may not receive renewal notices due to outdated contact information. Others may discard official mail, thinking it’s unrelated or unimportant. Language barriers and digital access issues only deepen the divide.
The result? Veterans are losing benefits not because they’re ineligible—but because they didn’t know how to respond.
At Veterans Guardian, we believe that no Veteran should lose access to care because of red tape or confusion. That’s why we’re calling for renewed focus, better outreach, and stronger partnerships between states, the VA, and advocacy groups.
What Can Veterans and Families Do Right Now?
This June, amid both PTSD Awareness Month and Flag Day, there’s a critical opportunity to act. Here’s what Veterans, families, and community supporters should do immediately:
✅ Check Your Medicaid Status
Contact your state’s Medicaid office or use online tools to verify your current enrollment. If you’re unsure how to do this, your local VA representative or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) can help.
✅ Update Contact Information
Make sure Medicaid and VA records have your current mailing address, phone number, and email to avoid missed notices.
✅ Reapply If Necessary
If your coverage has ended, you may still be eligible. Don’t assume you’ve lost access—follow up and re-enroll as soon as possible.
✅ Explore VA Healthcare Eligibility
Even if you’ve used Medicaid exclusively, you may now qualify for VA benefits. Veterans Guardian can help evaluate your options and support you through the application process.
✅ Share This Information
Whether you’re a Veteran or know someone who is, sharing this message can help prevent unnecessary loss of coverage.
Why This Matters: More Than Just Paperwork
For Veterans living on the edge of financial stability, health insurance isn’t a luxury—it’s survival. Losing coverage often means choosing between groceries and medication, between paying rent or seeing a doctor.
Health coverage is not just about wellness. It’s about stability, dignity, and security—things every Veteran deserves after serving their country.
Community Response: A Shared Responsibility
While state Medicaid offices are leading the redetermination process, Veterans’ advocates and community organizations play a key role in filling the gaps. Veterans Guardian applauds the groups doing the hard work of outreach, education, and enrollment support.
But more needs to be done:
- Increased funding for Medicaid enrollment navigators
- Stronger data sharing between state agencies and the VA
- Broader public awareness campaigns targeting Veterans
- Simplified processes to avoid unnecessary disenrollment
The challenges are complex but solvable with leadership, coordination, and commitment.
Veterans Guardian: A Trusted Partner in Navigating Benefits
At Veterans Guardian, we understand that systems are confusing and that Veterans shouldn’t have to navigate them alone. Our mission is to ensure that no Veteran slips through the cracks due to bureaucracy or lack of information. We provide:
- One-on-one support
- Claim assistance
- Education and advocacy
- And a voice that champions your rights
Take Action This Month
June is a meaningful month for many reasons. It’s a time to honor Veterans, raise awareness for hidden challenges like PTSD, and protect our most vulnerable populations.
Let it also be a time for action:
- Check in on your Medicaid status or help a Veteran do so
- Share this post with your community or social network
- Partner with Veterans Guardian to expand access and support
Together, we can make sure that health coverage isn’t something a Veteran has to fight for after their service has ended.
