Medicaid changes put coverage at risk
Major changes to Medicaid are coming, and Maryland estimates 175,000 people could lose their health coverage. For people experiencing homelessness, navigating new requirements and maintaining coverage can be especially hard. We talked with Nia Ballard of HealthCare Access Maryland (HCAM) about what’s changing, what she’s hearing from people across Maryland and why keeping people connected to health care matters.
You’ve been with HCAM for 14 years. Tell us about it.
I started when the Affordable Care Act was just being rolled out. Some of my early days were with the Connector Call Center, our hotline where consumers can call in and ask questions about their health insurance applications, find out where navigators are and get information. There have been a lot of policy changes since then. But we’ve always worked with individuals who face barriers getting care, helping them sign up for health insurance, navigate complex systems and improve their health.
Why do you care about connecting people to health insurance?
Before I came to HCAM, I had some hardships. I had a small child at the time. I lost my job and my home all within a matter of a year. I was getting health insurance for my daughter. But I didn't even know where to start to make sure that we both had coverage. Now being able to educate the community and be there for other moms and people is huge for me.
Navigating health insurance is not easy for anybody. So imagine those who have become disenfranchised. Some people, first thing is food and rent. The next thing is going to be making sure that you have health insurance. If you're not healthy, you can't do anything else, right?
What are some of the big changes to Medicaid?
Starting in January, some adults will have work hour requirements to be eligible for Medicaid and will need to renew their coverage every six months instead of once a year. We know what’s in the federal law (HR 1), but we don’t yet know exactly what will be required of people in terms of documentation and proof.
People are also receiving notifications about changes this October. Certain immigrants will no longer be eligible for Medicaid.
How are people reacting?
There’s a lot of confusion. Many don’t understand what the notifications mean specifically for them. So our staff are working one-on-one with them to understand their eligibility. For people who can no longer get Medicaid, we share information about federally qualified health centers, sliding fee scales, so they’re not walking away completely empty of any chances to get health care.
What are you seeing in the communities you serve?
Community partners are seeing fewer immigrant families come in for services, from health coverage enrollment to food banks, educational support and other assistance. Reports of ICE outside some health centers and community resource centers have created real fear, making people hesitant to visit locations where our consumer assistance workers are available. People are afraid to come out, and we’re not able to do Medicaid enrollment over the phone.
How is HCAM preparing to support people?
We're in five counties in Maryland, trying to give people as many options as possible. We are assisting with training and collaborating with Health Care for the Homeless, Chase Brexton and other health centers, doing outreach and tabling with the information we have. Just trying to make sure that it's as many boots on the ground as possible. These changes are going to take their toll on all of us as a community. From the people that are putting in the work to the people that it's impacting directly. We're going to be there for each other in the best way that we can.
Need help with health insurance? Call HCAM at 410-500-4710 or visit www.hcamaryland.org.
More Recent News
Earlier this year, the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Bureau of Primary Health Care rolled out 2026 Community Health Quality Recognition Badges. Health Care for the Homeless received four badges
Preparing for reentry starts before release. Discover how Health Care for the Homeless staff are connecting with people behind prison walls, offering support and linking them to resources that can help make the transition home a little easier.
Major changes to Medicaid are coming, and Maryland estimates 175,000 people could lose their health coverage. For people experiencing homelessness, navigating new requirements and maintaining coverage can be especially hard. We talked with Nia Ballard of HealthCare Access Maryland (HCAM) about what’s changing, what she’s hearing from people across Maryland and why keeping people connected to health care matters.
Spend the day with our Fallsway Dental Team and get a behind-the-scenes look at a busy day of cleanings, fillings, dentures and everything in between. Meet the dedicated staff helping clients access the treatment they need while building lasting relationships and healthier smiles.