The “Medicaid Unwinding” is Here: The One Thing You Must Do NOW to Keep Your Coverage
The Action That Saved My Health Insurance
During the pandemic, my Medicaid coverage was automatically renewed, which was a huge relief. But now, the “unwinding” is here. This means I have to prove my eligibility again. The single most important thing I did was log into my state’s Medicaid portal and update my mailing address and phone number. The renewal packet will be sent to my address on file, and if I don’t get it, my coverage will be terminated. Taking five minutes to verify my contact information was the one crucial step to ensure I don’t lose my healthcare.
I Got a Letter Saying My Medicaid is Ending. Here Are the 3 Steps I Took Immediately.
My Emergency Action Plan for a Termination Notice
The letter saying my Medicaid was being terminated felt like a punch to the gut. I didn’t panic; I took immediate action. Step one: I read the letter carefully to understand the reason and the deadline to appeal. Step two: I immediately requested a “fair hearing” to protect my rights and keep my benefits active during the appeal. Step three: I called my local Legal Aid society for free expert advice on how to win my case. This three-step emergency plan turned my panic into a powerful, focused response.
How to Use the 90-Day “Reconsideration Period” to Get Your Medicaid Back
The Second Chance I Didn’t Know I Had
I missed the deadline to return my Medicaid renewal paperwork, and I received a termination notice. I was devastated, thinking I had to start the whole application process from scratch. I called the Medicaid office, and a helpful worker told me about the 90-day “reconsideration period.” She said that if I submitted my completed renewal form within 90 days of the termination, they could simply re-open my old case without a new application. I got my paperwork in, and my coverage was reinstated. It was a crucial second chance.
“Procedural Denial”: How I Lost My Medicaid (And How I Got It Back)
The Paperwork Problem That Caused a Crisis
My family’s income hadn’t changed, so I was shocked when we lost our Medicaid. The reason stated was a “procedural denial.” It meant we were likely still eligible, but we had made a mistake on the paperwork. In our case, we had forgotten to include a pay stub for my husband’s part-time job. We immediately filed an appeal. We didn’t have to argue about our eligibility; we just had to fix the procedure. We submitted the missing document, and our coverage was quickly reinstated. It was a frustrating, but fixable, problem.
Your State Didn’t Renew Your Medicaid? You May Still Be Covered. Here’s Why.
The Federal Rule That Protected Us
My wife received a letter from our state saying her Medicaid was terminated because her income was now too high. We were worried. But I learned about a special rule during the unwinding. Federal law requires states to first check if a person is eligible for any other Medicaid program before terminating them. They are also required to automatically transfer their file to the state marketplace for a subsidized plan. My wife’s case hadn’t been transferred correctly. We appealed, and she was enrolled in a low-cost marketplace plan, avoiding a gap in coverage.
From Medicaid to the Marketplace: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Subsidized Plan
The Next Step on My Healthcare Journey
I got a raise at work, and I knew I would no longer be eligible for Medicaid at my renewal. I wasn’t scared; I had a plan. The day I got my termination notice, I went straight to Healthcare.gov. Losing Medicaid is a “Qualifying Life Event,” which opened a Special Enrollment Period for me. I filled out the application. Because my income was still modest, I was eligible for a huge subsidy. I ended up with a great health plan on the marketplace that only costs me $30 a month.
The Ultimate “Unwinding” Checklist for Every Medicaid Recipient
My Don’t-Get-Kicked-Off Checklist
The Medicaid unwinding felt like a national test, and I was determined not to fail. I made a simple checklist to protect my family’s coverage. 1. Update Address: I logged into the state portal and confirmed my mailing address was correct. 2. Watch the Mail: I opened every single piece of mail from the state immediately. 3. Gather Documents: I created a folder with my recent pay stubs and tax info, ready to go. 4. Meet the Deadline: When the renewal packet arrived, I filled it out and sent it back that same week. This checklist was my guide to survival.
Did Your Child Lose Medicaid? They Probably Still Qualify for CHIP. Here’s How to Switch.
His Coverage Continued, Even When Mine Didn’t
I lost my Medicaid during the unwinding because my income went up. But the termination notice for my son looked different. He was no longer eligible for Medicaid, but he was now eligible for our state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The income limits for CHIP are much higher than for adult Medicaid. The state automatically transitioned his coverage. All I had to do was choose a CHIP health plan for him. My coverage changed, but his health and well-being remained protected.
How to Update Your Address with Medicaid So You Don’t Miss the Renewal Letter
The Five Minutes That Saved My Insurance
I knew that the number one reason people were losing their Medicaid during the unwinding was because their renewal packet was being sent to an old address. I had moved six months ago. I didn’t wait to see what would happen. I logged into my state’s online Medicaid portal. It took me less than five minutes to update my mailing address. That simple, proactive step was the most important thing I did all year. It ensured that the crucial renewal letter would come to me, and not get lost in the mail.
Myths About the Medicaid Unwinding, Busted.
Don’t Believe the Rumors
There was so much fear and misinformation about the Medicaid unwinding. I learned to separate myth from fact. Myth: “Everyone is getting kicked off.” Fact: Many people are still eligible and just need to complete their paperwork. Myth: “If you get a raise, you’re doomed.” Fact: You may be eligible for a heavily subsidized marketplace plan. Myth: “It’s impossible to fight a denial.” Fact: The appeals process is your legal right, and many people win. Ignoring the rumors and focusing on the facts helped me navigate the process calmly.
How to Find Free, In-Person Help to Navigate Your Renewal
The Navigator Who Held My Hand Through the Paperwork
The Medicaid renewal form was long and confusing. I was scared I would make a mistake. I didn’t want to do it alone. I went to my state’s health marketplace website and clicked on the “Find Local Help” button. It gave me a list of organizations in my town that have certified “Navigators.” I made a free appointment. The Navigator sat with me, patiently went through the entire form, and helped me upload my documents. Her expert, in-person help gave me confidence that my renewal was done correctly.
I Lost My Medicaid. Can I Get It Back Retroactively?
The Coverage Gap That Wasn’t a Gap
I was terminated from Medicaid on May 1st for a paperwork error. On May 15th, I fell and broke my wrist. I quickly submitted my renewal paperwork and my coverage was reinstated on June 1st. I was terrified I would have a huge bill from my ER visit during the “gap.” I learned that because my termination was a procedural error, and I was still actually eligible during that time, my reinstatement was made “retroactive” to May 1st. The bill from my broken wrist was covered.
A State-by-State Guide to Medicaid Renewal Timelines
The Deadline That Depended on My State
My sister in California got her Medicaid renewal packet in June. My cousin in Florida got his in September. I learned that during the unwinding, every state has its own unique timeline. It’s not one single national deadline. I went to my state’s Medicaid website. They had a clear timeline showing which “cohort” of recipients was up for renewal each month. Knowing my state’s specific schedule helped me know when to expect my renewal form in the mail, so I could be prepared.
What to Do if You Missed the Deadline to Renew
My “Oops” Moment and the 90-Day Grace Period
I found my Medicaid renewal packet under a pile of mail, a week after the deadline had passed. My heart stopped. I thought I had ruined everything. I called the Medicaid helpline in a panic. The worker reassured me. She told me about the special 90-day “reconsideration period” during the unwinding. As long as I got my completed form in within 90 days of my termination date, they could simply re-open my case without me having to start a whole new application. It was a crucial grace period that saved me.
“My Whole Family Lost Coverage.” How to Triage Your Next Steps.
Our Family’s Healthcare Emergency Plan
The letter terminating our entire family’s Medicaid was a crisis. We didn’t panic; we triaged. Step 1: The Kids. We immediately went to the state marketplace. We knew the income limits for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) were higher, and sure enough, our kids were still eligible. We got them re-enrolled first. Step 2: The Adults. We then used the same application to see what subsidies we qualified for on a marketplace plan. We focused on getting the most vulnerable members of our family covered first.
The Special Enrollment Period You Get After Losing Medicaid
The Golden Ticket to a New Plan
I got a new job, and my higher income meant I was no longer eligible for Medicaid. I was worried I would have a gap in coverage before my new work insurance started. The Medicaid termination letter was my golden ticket. Losing Medicaid triggers a “Special Enrollment Period” on the healthcare marketplace. It gave me 60 days to enroll in a new plan. I was able to buy a low-cost marketplace plan to cover me for the two months before my job-based insurance kicked in.
How to Prove Your Income for Your Renewal in a Post-PHE World
The Pay Stubs That Proved My Case
During the Public Health Emergency, the state didn’t really check my income. For my first post-PHE renewal, I knew I had to be prepared. I gathered my last four weekly pay stubs. I made sure the “year-to-date” income on the stubs matched the numbers I was putting on my renewal form. For a renewal, they want to see your current monthly income. Providing clear, recent, and accurate pay stubs is the single most important thing you can do to ensure your renewal is processed quickly and without any problems.
The “Fair Hearing” Rights You Have During the Unwinding
My Day in “Medicaid Court”
I was terminated from Medicaid during the unwinding, and I was sure it was a mistake. The termination letter included a form to request a “fair hearing.” I sent it in immediately. This was my legal right. The hearing was a simple phone call with a neutral hearing officer. I was able to present my evidence and explain why I believed the termination was wrong. The best part is, just by requesting the hearing, my Medicaid benefits were continued until a final decision was made.
Why You Shouldn’t Just Ignore the Brown Envelope from the Medicaid Office
The Mail That Matters Most
For three years during the pandemic, any mail from the state Medicaid office was probably just a notice. But now, during the unwinding, that brown envelope is the most important piece of mail you will get all year. It is almost certainly your renewal packet. Ignoring it is the fastest way to lose your health insurance. When that envelope arrives, treat it like a winning lottery ticket. Open it immediately, read the instructions carefully, and meet the deadline. Don’t let your healthcare get lost in a pile of junk mail.
For Caseworkers: A Guide to Helping Clients Navigate the Unwinding
A Social Worker’s Unwinding Toolkit
As a social worker, the Medicaid unwinding is a massive challenge. My toolkit for helping my clients is all about proactive communication. First, I help them create an online portal account and ensure their address is correct. Second, I help them understand what documents they will need and gather them in advance. Third, I set calendar reminders for their renewal month. My role is to be an organizer and a guide, cutting through the fear and confusion to help my clients successfully navigate the paperwork and keep the coverage they need.
The Most Common Mistakes People are Making on Their Renewal Forms
The Simple Errors with Huge Consequences
As a Medicaid navigator, I see people lose their coverage for the simplest mistakes on their renewal forms. The most common one is a simple math error. They write down an income number that doesn’t match the pay stubs they attach. The second biggest mistake is forgetting to include a document for a spouse or a child. And the third is just missing the deadline entirely. I tell all my clients to double-check their math, make a checklist of all required documents, and send the packet back the day they get it.
How to Tell if Your Renewal Letter is a Scam
The Red Flags of a Fake Letter
With all the confusion around the unwinding, scammers are trying to take advantage. I got a text message telling me to call a number to “renew my Medicaid.” I knew it was a scam. The real Medicaid office will almost always contact you through official mail, not a random text. A real letter will come from your state’s official agency and will not ask you for money to renew your coverage. Medicaid renewal is free. If anyone asks for your credit card number or a fee, it’s a scam. Hang up.
What the End of the Public Health Emergency Means for Your COVID Tests and Vaccines
The New Rules for COVID Care
During the Public Health Emergency, COVID-19 tests and vaccines were free for everyone. Now that the PHE has ended, the rules have changed. For me on Medicaid, however, not much is different. Federal law requires Medicaid to continue to cover COVID-19 testing and treatment with no co-pay. The vaccine is also still free for me. The biggest change is for at-home tests; they may no longer be covered. I learned to check with my specific plan before I went to the pharmacy.
A Guide for Seniors on Dual Plans: Is Your “Extra Help” at Risk?
Protecting My Mom’s Dual Status
My mom is a “dual eligible” for both Medicare and Medicaid. During the unwinding, I was worried she might lose her Medicaid and, with it, all the “Extra Help” that pays for her prescriptions and Medicare premiums. I made sure to help her with her renewal packet. We provided her Social Security income statement and her bank records. Because her financial situation hadn’t changed, her Medicaid was renewed. This automatically renewed her “Extra Help” status as well, ensuring her healthcare and drug costs remained at zero.
“They Said I Didn’t Respond.” How to Prove You Sent in Your Paperwork.
The Certified Mail Receipt That Was My Smoking Gun
The Medicaid office terminated my coverage, claiming I never sent back my renewal form. I knew I had. My proof was the little green certified mail receipt I had kept. I appealed the termination. In my appeal letter, I included a photocopy of that receipt, which showed the date, time, and signature of the mailroom clerk at the county office who had signed for my packet. It was undeniable proof that I had met the deadline. They were forced to admit their error and reinstate my coverage immediately.
The Role of Community Health Centers During the Unwinding
The Clinic That Was My Lifeline
I got a confusing renewal packet from Medicaid and didn’t know what to do. I went to my local Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) for a doctor’s appointment. They had a sign at the front desk: “Need help with your Medicaid renewal? Ask us!” They had a full-time eligibility specialist on staff. She sat down with me for free, helped me fill out the entire packet, and even faxed it to the state for me. These community health centers are on the front lines, providing not just healthcare, but crucial help in navigating the unwinding.
How to Find Out Your Official Renewal Date
The Date That Determined My Destiny
I was anxious about the Medicaid unwinding and wanted to know exactly when my renewal packet would arrive. I didn’t want to be surprised. I called the member services number on the back of my Medicaid card. I gave them my information and asked a simple question: “Can you please tell me my scheduled redetermination date?” The representative was able to look it up in the system and told me my renewal was set for October. Knowing this date allowed me to be prepared and watch my mailbox carefully that month.
My Income Has Gone Up. What Are My Options Now?
The Raise That Led Me to a New Plan
I got a new job, and I knew my higher income would make me ineligible for Medicaid at my next renewal. I wasn’t scared; I was prepared. The day I got my termination notice, I knew it triggered a “Special Enrollment Period” on the Healthcare.gov marketplace. I went to the website, filled out the application with my new income, and was able to get a heavily subsidized private health plan for only $40 a month. The unwinding wasn’t an end; it was a transition to a new, affordable kind of coverage.
The Unwinding’s Impact on People with Disabilities: A Call to Action
My Disability and My Fear of Losing My Lifeline
As a person with a disability, my Medicaid coverage is my lifeline. It covers my specialists, my therapies, and my medications. The unwinding process terrified me. What if my renewal got lost? What if I was terminated by mistake? I learned I had to be my own strongest advocate. I worked with my independent living center to make sure my renewal was submitted perfectly. It’s a call to action for all of us with disabilities: we must be vigilant, organized, and vocal to protect the healthcare that allows us to live in the community.
How to Prepare for Your First Premium Payment on a Marketplace Plan
The First Bill After Free Healthcare
After losing Medicaid, I was approved for a subsidized marketplace plan with a $50 monthly premium. After years of free coverage, even that small amount felt strange. I prepared for the transition. First, I made sure to select the “auto-pay” option on the insurer’s website so I would never miss a payment. Second, I adjusted my monthly budget to account for the new expense. Third, I put a recurring reminder in my phone’s calendar for the due date. Being prepared for that first premium made the transition from Medicaid smooth and stress-free.
Is Your Doctor Still In-Network After Switching from Medicaid?
The Hunt for a Familiar Face in a New Network
I lost my Medicaid and transitioned to a subsidized marketplace plan from Blue Cross. My first question was: “Can I keep my doctor?” I went to the Blue Cross website and used their “Find a Doctor” tool. I typed in my beloved primary care doctor’s name. I was so relieved when her picture popped up as an in-network provider. I knew that if she hadn’t been, my next step would have been to call her office and ask which of the marketplace plans they did accept, and then switch to that plan if possible.
The Mental Health Impact of Losing Coverage (And Where to Get Help)
The Anxiety of Losing My Safety Net
The letter saying my Medicaid was ending sent my anxiety into a spiral. My healthcare wasn’t just about my physical health; it was my access to my therapist and my medications. The thought of losing that support was terrifying. I immediately talked to my therapist about it. She helped me make a plan. We found a community mental health center with a sliding scale fee system that I could use as a backup. Just having that plan, and talking about my fear, helped me manage the immense stress of the unwinding process.
How Advocacy Groups are Fighting Back Against Unfair Terminations
The Watchdogs Fighting for Us
I was reading the news and saw that in my state, a huge number of children were being unfairly terminated from Medicaid due to paperwork errors. I was furious. I found out that advocacy groups like the National Health Law Program and my state’s own Legal Aid Society were fighting back. They were filing lawsuits against the state, demanding they follow the federal rules. Supporting these groups, even with a small donation, felt like I was joining the larger fight to protect the most vulnerable from losing the healthcare they need and deserve.
A Guide to Using Your State’s Online Portal for Renewal
My Digital Renewal Was Done in 15 Minutes
When my Medicaid renewal notice arrived in the mail, it gave me two options: fill out the paper form or renew online. I chose the online portal. It was so much easier. I logged into my account, and there was a big button that said “Renew Your Coverage.” The system already had most of my information filled in. I just had to update my income, upload a picture of my most recent pay stub, and digitally sign it. The entire process took me 15 minutes, and I got an instant confirmation that it was submitted.
The Long-Term Consequences of a Gap in Health Coverage
The Gap That Became a Chasm
My friend lost his Medicaid during the unwinding and didn’t sign up for a new plan right away. He thought he’d be fine for a few months. Then, he got into a car accident. He was uninsured. He now has a mountain of medical debt that will follow him for years. His story is a terrifying reminder of the consequences of a coverage gap. Even a short period without insurance can lead to a lifetime of financial ruin. The unwinding is a time to be incredibly vigilant, because the stakes are so high.
How to Help an Elderly Parent or Neighbor with Their Renewal
Be a Renewal Buddy
My elderly neighbor, Mrs. Kim, got her Medicaid renewal packet, and she was completely overwhelmed by the paperwork. I offered to be her “renewal buddy.” We sat down at her kitchen table. I read the questions out loud for her. I helped her find her Social Security statement to verify her income. I even helped her make a photocopy of it to send in. It took about an hour of my time, but it ensured that she could successfully renew the coverage she depends on. We all need to look out for our vulnerable neighbors during this time.
The Connection Between Food Stamp (SNAP) Renewals and Medicaid
The Two Renewals That Are Linked
I receive both SNAP food assistance and Medicaid. I learned from my caseworker that in my state, the renewal processes are often linked. When I completed my SNAP renewal and submitted my recent income information, that same information was used to automatically renew my Medicaid eligibility. This streamlined process is designed to make it easier for people and reduce paperwork. It’s a good reminder that all these social safety net programs are often connected behind the scenes.
What Happens to Your Prescriptions if You Lose Coverage Suddenly?
My Pharmacy Panic Plan
I was terminated from Medicaid by mistake, and I had a crucial blood pressure medication that was running out. I went to the pharmacy, and they told me my insurance was inactive. I didn’t panic. I asked the pharmacist for the “cash price” for just a one-week supply. It was expensive, but it was better than nothing. I then immediately called my doctor’s office and explained the situation. She was able to give me some free samples to tide me over while I got my Medicaid reinstated. Having a short-term plan is key.
The “Unwinding” Data Dashboard: Which States are Kicking Off the Most People?
The Report Card on My State’s Performance
I was curious about how my state was handling the Medicaid unwinding. I found an online “data dashboard” from a healthcare policy foundation. It tracked every state in the country, showing how many people were being renewed and how many were being terminated. It also showed how many of those terminations were for “procedural” reasons. I saw that my state had a very high rate of procedural denials. This information was powerful. It showed that the problem wasn’t just me; it was a systemic issue in my state.
How to Get COBRA if You’re Not Eligible for a Marketplace Plan
The Expensive Lifeline
My income went up enough that I lost my Medicaid, but I didn’t qualify for a subsidy on the marketplace, so the plans were still too expensive. I had recently left a job. I learned I had 60 days to elect COBRA coverage from my old employer. The monthly premium was very high, but it was my only option to avoid a gap in coverage. COBRA is usually a last resort because of the cost, but for some people caught in the gap during the unwinding, it can be a crucial, if expensive, temporary bridge.
The Unwinding’s Effect on Pregnant Women and New Mothers
The Postpartum Protection That Is Under Threat
During the pandemic, my postpartum Medicaid coverage was guaranteed. Now, with the unwinding, new mothers are at risk. A friend of mine had her Medicaid terminated just three months after giving birth because her renewal paperwork got lost. This is happening all over the country. It’s a crisis because postpartum moms need that full year of coverage to deal with physical recovery and mental health challenges. It’s a reminder for all new moms to be incredibly careful with their renewal paperwork to protect their health.
A Reporter’s Notebook: Stories from the Front Lines of the Unwinding
The Human Cost of a Policy Change
As a local news reporter covering the unwinding, I’ve heard heartbreaking stories. I spoke to a man with diabetes who lost his Medicaid due to a paperwork error and is now rationing his insulin. I talked to a single mother whose children were kicked off their plan because their renewal was sent to an old address. These aren’t just statistics; they are real people whose lives and health are being thrown into chaos. It’s a story of bureaucratic failure on a massive scale, with the most vulnerable paying the highest price.
How to Get Temporary Coverage While You Appeal a Termination
The Benefit That Kept Me Covered During My Fight
I was notified that my Medicaid was being terminated, and I was sure it was a mistake. I filed an appeal and requested a “fair hearing.” I was so relieved to learn that in most states, when you file an appeal within a certain timeframe, your Medicaid benefits are automatically continued until the hearing officer makes a final decision. This “aid paid pending” was a crucial protection. It meant I could still go to my doctor and get my prescriptions while I was fighting to prove my case.
The Future of Medicaid After the Great Unwinding
A Smaller, But Still Essential, Safety Net
The “Great Unwinding” is a massive, historic event. It’s shrinking the Medicaid rolls for the first time in years. The future of the program will be different. It will be smaller, and the annual renewal process will once again become a high-stakes moment for millions of families. But the core of the program will remain. It will still be the essential healthcare safety net for children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. It will just be a system that we, as patients, have to be much more vigilant about navigating.
What to Do if You Get a Bill from a Time You Thought You Were Covered
The Ghost of a Bill Past
Two months after my Medicaid was terminated, I got a bill for a doctor’s visit that happened before my termination date. I thought I was covered then. I called the doctor’s office. They told me that when they tried to bill Medicaid, the claim was denied because my case was now closed. This is a common unwinding problem. I had to call the Medicaid office and explain the situation. They were able to reprocess the “retroactive” claim, and the doctor’s office was finally paid.
The Unspoken Burden on Healthcare Providers During the Unwinding
The Frustration on Both Sides of the Desk
I was frustrated with all the paperwork for my Medicaid renewal. Then I spoke to the billing manager at my doctor’s office. She was even more frustrated. She told me her office now spends hours every day trying to figure out which of their patients are still covered and which have been terminated. They have to re-verify insurance at every single visit. The unwinding hasn’t just been a burden on patients; it’s been a massive administrative nightmare for the doctors and hospitals who are just trying to provide care.
How to Transition from Medicaid to an Employer-Sponsored Plan
My New Job, My New Insurance, My Smooth Transition
I had been on Medicaid for a year when I started a new job that offered great health insurance. I knew I needed to handle the transition carefully to avoid any gaps. My new job’s insurance started on September 1st. On August 1st, I called the Medicaid office and reported my new income. I told them my new insurance would begin on September 1st. They scheduled my Medicaid termination for August 31st. This careful, proactive communication meant my coverage transitioned from one plan to the other seamlessly overnight.
A Guide for Immigrant Families Navigating the Unwinding
The Fear and the Facts
Our family has mixed immigration status. Some of us are citizens, and some are green card holders. We were all covered by Medicaid during the pandemic. The unwinding process made us very nervous. We were scared that providing our information for the renewal could cause problems. We went to a local community organization that helps immigrant families. They reassured us that the information we provide for Medicaid cannot be used for immigration enforcement. They helped us fill out the renewal forms correctly, ensuring our eligible family members could keep their coverage without fear.
The #1 Piece of Advice for Anyone Facing a Medicaid Renewal
Check Your Mail. Open It. Act on It.
If I could give only one piece of advice about the Medicaid unwinding, it would be this: check your mail. The government communicates through official letters. That brown envelope from the county is not junk mail. It is your lifeline. Open it immediately. Read the deadlines carefully. If it asks for documents, send them right away. The overwhelming majority of people who are losing their coverage are losing it because they did not respond to a piece of mail. Don’t let that be you.
I Survived the Unwinding. Here’s My Story.
The Paperwork Battle I Won
The letter came in a plain envelope, but the news inside was anything but plain: my family’s Medicaid was up for renewal. For three years, we had been protected by the pandemic’s continuous coverage. Now, we had to prove our case again. The paperwork was confusing. The online portal was glitchy. But we were determined. We gathered our pay stubs. We updated our address. We called the helpline and waited on hold. We submitted everything before the deadline. A month later, the approval letter arrived. We had survived the unwinding. We had kept our healthcare.