During the pandemic, MassHealth paused its annual patient review which determined if members still qualified for the insurance program.
Now, the review is underway for the first time in three years and upwards of 300,000 could lose coverage. That loss of coverage is likely to impact people without disabilities and individuals whose financial circumstances have changed since the pandemic.
Michael Levine, assistant secretary for MassHealth, said on Greater Boston it will take a year to work through the two million member caseload, and renewal forms will go out every month to keep everyone informed.
"This is our number one priority this year," Levine said. He advised residents to check their mail to see if they get a renewal form in a blue envelope. "And we're not just relying on the mail. We're going to be texting, we're going to be emailing. We have community partners who will be knocking on doors."
Michael Curry, president of the Mass League of Community Health Centers, said his organization is working with the state to make sure people have coverage options, especially as some have delayed health care during the pandemic, which exacerbated some medical conditions.
"Our job is to make sure we're there, wherever they are," he said.
Jennifer Smith, a reporter with Commonwealth Magazine who has been covering the subject, said getting the information out to people without causing panic has been key.
"You're going to need to get people out on doors. People are going to need to physically tell people out in other parts of the state," Smith said.
Watch: What to know and how to stay covered as MassHealth begins its first patient audit in three years
