West Virginia’s Medicaid eligibility review has booted approximately 100,000 off the rolls so far. But according to a report by WDTV, many may remain eligible but did not respond to paperwork requests or may have a new address.

Renate Pore, health care policy consultant for West Virginians for Affordable Healthcare, told WDTV that will mean fewer resources for some of our most vulnerable residents.

“The 100,000 people who no longer have Medicaid coverage,” Pore told the station, “may not even know they no longer have Medicaid coverage until they go to a doctor’s office and find out that, indeed, their coverage has dropped.”

Such a large reduction in Medicaid recipients doesn’t just take away resources from some individuals who may need it, it means a 5% loss in federal funding for the program’s operation and reimbursements, Pore said.

But what can be done about it?

Well, for starters, if you know someone who might need to check their status or start the Medicaid renewal process, direct them online to www.wvpath.wv.gov. They can call 877-716-1212 or visit a local Department of Health and Human Resources office.

Imagine needing medical attention and not being aware you were no longer on the Medicaid rolls until you went to the doctor.

During this season in which we’re all working a little harder to look out for one another, check in with anyone you know who might need a nudge to help avoid such a nasty surprise.