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For more than a decade, the Medicaid Matters Summit has been “interwoven through the fabric of our economy,� said Ellen Allen, executive director of , which advocates for the promotion of the health status of West Virginians.

The Summit is important, she says, because nearly half the state’s residents are enrolled in Medicaid. In addition, providers rely on the program, getting $3 back in federal funding for every state dollar paid by Medicaid.

A ‘whole menu’ of health care options

Allen explained they try to look at “the whole menu of what is available� to make sure West Virginians have the right health care options for their situation.

For that reason, will also be on site answering questions and providing guidance to individuals who may have lost coverage, or just need help navigating the system.

Even those who are not eligible for Medicaid can learn about the Affordable Care Act Marketplace (sometimes referred to as “Obamacare�) and set up an appointment to enroll on Nov. 1, which is the start of the annual Open Enrollment period for the ACA Marketplace, during which people can enroll in, renew or change their health insurance plans.

“Even though the event focuses on Medicaid, our whole mission is helping West Virginians have access to affordable health care,� Allen said.

The afternoon session will feature a conversation about the importance of Medicaid. Allen said this part of the program is a public conversation between people who work with the Medicaid population or can bring insight into the effect of Medicaid on West Virginia.

Scheduled speakers include:

• Sarah Young, deputy commissioner at the West Virginia Bureau of Medical Services
• Gina Sharps, executive director of the West Virginia Oral Health Coalition
• Patrick Brown, director of operations at Recovery Point
• Jeremy Smith, program director at West Virginia Navigators
• Ellen Allen, who is representing West Virginians for Affordable Health Care

Who is eligible for Medicaid?

Eligibility for Medicaid is based upon various factors, including income compared to the . This year, the FPL for a family of four is $31,200.

In West Virginia, Medicaid is available to the below residents, in addition to the aged, blind and disabled:

• Infants aged 0 to 1 in households with income up to 163% of the FPL
• Children aged 1-5 in households with income up to 146% of FPL
• Children aged 6-18 in households with income up to 138% of FPL
• Children with household income above those levels, up to 300% FPL, are eligible for CHIP in West Virginia
• Pregnant women with income up to 190% of poverty (CHIP is available to pregnant women with income up to 300% of the poverty level). Postpartum Medicaid/CHIP for the mother continues for 12 months after the baby is born.
• Adults with incomes up to 138% of FPL

Pregnant women and children in households with up to 300% of FPL qualify for CHIP in West Virginia (different coverage levels are available depending on income).

Allen reminds Summit attendees that signing up for health care is fast and painless.

“[The Navigators] can get help you in less than 30 minutes,� she said.