- Introduction: You Are Not Alone
- Key Takeaways
- Why Are People Losing Medicaid Now?
- What Happens When You Lose Medicaid?
- Your Options for Health Insurance After Medicaid
- How EIMA Health Can Help
- Simple Steps to Stay Covered
- Tips to Avoid Gaps in Coverage
- Local Resources to Help
- Conclusion: Take Action Now
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is a Special Enrollment Period?
- How much does ACA Marketplace insurance cost?
- Can my children stay on Medicaid or CHIP if I lose coverage?
- What happens if I miss the 60-day window to apply?
- Is short-term insurance a good choice?
- Does EIMA Health charge for help?
- How can I get started with EIMA Health?
Introduction: You Are Not Alone
Did you get a letter saying your Medicaid is ending? You are not the only one. Many families in Dallas are getting the same notice this summer. The good news is that there are other health insurance options. They can be affordable, and free help is available to guide you. In this article, we explain what you can do to stay covered without stress.
Key Takeaways
✅ Many people in Dallas are losing Medicaid this summer.
This is because Texas is checking who still qualifies now that COVID-19 protections have ended.
✅ You have 60 days to get new insurance after losing Medicaid.
This is called a Special Enrollment Period. If you miss it, you may have to wait until Open Enrollment at the end of the year.
✅ ACA Marketplace plans can be very affordable.
Most families qualify for financial help. Many pay under $10 per month for health insurance.
✅ Children may still qualify for CHIP or Medicaid.
Even if parents lose Medicaid, kids may stay covered through these programs.
✅ Short-term insurance often doesn’t give enough protection.
It may not cover prescriptions, checkups, or care for conditions you already have.
✅ EIMA Health offers free, local help.
EIMA Health can guide you through your choices, help with applications, and support you after you enroll — all at no cost.
✅ Act fast to avoid gaps in coverage.
Check that your doctors, hospitals, and medicines are covered by your new plan. Apply as soon as you can to stay protected.
✅ Resources are available.
Dallas College health fairs, community clinics, and local events often provide help with insurance. EIMA Health is ready to assist.
Why Are People Losing Medicaid Now?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people kept their Medicaid even if their income changed. Now that the pandemic protections are over, Texas is checking again to see who still qualifies. This process is called redetermination.
Here are common reasons people lose Medicaid:
- Their income is now too high.
- They missed paperwork deadlines or didn’t send in all the needed documents.
- Children may still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, but parents do not.
This change is hard on working families, single parents, and caregivers. Many live in Dallas neighborhoods where it is already harder to get health care.
What Happens When You Lose Medicaid?
If you lose Medicaid, you’ll get a letter that tells you when your coverage ends. From that date, you have 60 days to apply for a new health plan through the ACA Marketplace. This is called a Special Enrollment Period.
If you don’t apply during that time, you may have to wait until Open Enrollment at the end of the year. This could leave you without insurance and facing large medical bills if you get sick or hurt.
For example, James, a rideshare driver in Dallas, missed the 60-day window. He went without insurance for three months. Then he had a small car accident and had to pay big medical bills himself.
Your Options for Health Insurance After Medicaid
ACA Marketplace Plans
Most people who lose Medicaid can get an ACA Marketplace plan. Many plans cost less than $10 a month after financial help.
For example, Maria, a single mom in Dallas who earns $24,000 a year, got a plan through the Marketplace. It covers her and her child, including dental care. She pays just a few dollars each month.
Bronze, Silver, and Gold Plans
When you shop for a plan, you will see bronze, silver, and gold options:
- Bronze: Lowest monthly cost, but you pay more when you go to the doctor.
- Silver: A balance between what you pay each month and what you pay for care. You may get extra savings if your income is low.
- Gold: Higher monthly cost, but you pay less when you need care.
If your child needs to see the doctor often, a silver plan with extra savings may be the best choice.
CHIP for Kids
Even if parents lose Medicaid, children may still qualify for CHIP or Medicaid. CHIP provides low-cost health insurance for kids. EIMA Health can help you find out if your child qualifies.
Short-Term Insurance: Be Careful
Some companies offer short-term insurance. These plans may look cheap, but they often don’t cover what you need. They might not pay for checkups, prescriptions, or care for conditions you already have. Marketplace plans give better protection for most families.
Insurance Through Work or a Spouse
If you or your spouse has a job with health insurance, check to see if it’s a good fit. But Marketplace plans can still be more affordable for many families.
How EIMA Health Can Help
Losing Medicaid can feel confusing, but you don’t have to go through it alone. EIMA Health can guide you through every step.
What we offer:
- Free help. We never charge for our services.
- Personal guidance from a real person — no call centers.
- Help finding a plan that fits your family’s needs and budget.
- Support after you sign up. We can help with questions about doctors, bills, or renewals.
- Service in English and Spanish.
Jamal, a Dallas dad, came to EIMA Health after losing Medicaid for his 5-year-old. We helped him get a plan with dental benefits that kept his child’s doctor.
Rosa, who works part-time in Addison, didn’t know what plan to choose. We helped her understand her choices, apply, and pay her first premium.
Simple Steps to Stay Covered
- Read your Medicaid letter carefully. Note the date your coverage ends.
- Call EIMA Health at (972) 728-0386 or visit https://eimahealth.com/contact-us/ for free help.
- Apply for Marketplace coverage within 60 days of losing Medicaid.
- Pick a plan. We will help you compare costs, benefits, and doctor networks.
- Pay your first premium so your new coverage starts.
Tips to Avoid Gaps in Coverage
- Watch out for scams. Some offers for “free” or “instant” plans are not real insurance.
- Check that your doctors, hospitals, and medicines are covered under your new plan.
- Don’t wait until the deadline. The sooner you apply, the better.
- Keep records of letters, forms, and emails in case you need them later.
Local Resources to Help
Dallas families can find support at:
- Dallas College health fairs — free health checks and help with insurance.
- Community clinics — Foremost Family Health and Los Barrios Unidos provide care based on income.
- Nonprofits and churches — often host enrollment events with help from EIMA Health.
Conclusion: Take Action Now
Losing Medicaid can feel scary, but affordable health insurance is within reach. Marketplace plans give you and your family the care you need. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. EIMA Health is here to help — and it’s free.
Call (972) 728-0386 or visit https://eimahealth.com/contact-us/ today. We are ready to help you stay covered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Special Enrollment Period?
A Special Enrollment Period is a time when you can sign up for a health plan outside of Open Enrollment. If you lose Medicaid, you have 60 days to choose a new plan through the ACA Marketplace.
How much does ACA Marketplace insurance cost?
Most people who lose Medicaid qualify for financial help. Many pay less than $10 per month for their plan. The cost depends on your income, family size, and the plan you choose.
Can my children stay on Medicaid or CHIP if I lose coverage?
Yes. Even if parents lose Medicaid, children may still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. CHIP is a low-cost insurance program for kids. EIMA Health can help you check if your child qualifies.
What happens if I miss the 60-day window to apply?
If you miss this window, you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment period. This could leave you without insurance for several months and at risk for high medical bills if you need care.
Is short-term insurance a good choice?
Short-term insurance may look cheaper, but it often does not cover checkups, prescriptions, or care for conditions you already have. Marketplace plans usually offer better protection.
Does EIMA Health charge for help?
No. EIMA Health provides free, personal help with choosing a plan, applying, and staying covered.
How can I get started with EIMA Health?
You can call (972) 728-0386 or visit https://eimahealth.com/contact-us/ to set up a free appointment.
This article has been a collaboration between EIMA Health and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Created on June 30, 2025, it combines AI-generated draft material with EIMA Health’s expert revision and oversight, ensuring accuracy and relevance while addressing any AI limitations.
