Immigration Reform 2014: Over 100,000 Immigrants to Lose Obamacare Coverage This Month

It was announced this week that approximately 115,000 people in America will no longer have coverage under Obamacare at the end of this month because of lack of prooof of valid citizenship or immigration status, according to the U.S. government. However, an official from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) claims that health care coverage for thsoe 115,000 affected could be re-instated as soon as Oct. 1 if proper documentation and proof of status is submitted immediately.

Apparently, the CMS delivered over 300,000 notices to people this month as a final warning regarding the termination of their health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Previously, the CMS had called the same people by phone or sent emails attempting to warn them of the need for further documentation in order to keep their health care. This week, notices of cancellation of coverage were sent to those who didn't respond to the CMS' previous attempts to contact them.

Residents from Texas and Florida make up close to half of the 115,000 who may have their health plans cancelled this month, reports Politico. The CMS delivered notices of cancellation to over 35,000 residents in Florida and nearly 20,000 people in Texas. 

The CMS' principal deputy administrator said in a statement: "Let me affirm that if they will pay their premiums, and are eligible for coverage, they will continue to get coverage." 

Another issue facing the CMS is what it calls "household income inconsistencies." These inconsistencies have to do with reported income of certain U.S. residents not matching IRS records. According to Politico, 1.2 million such inconsistencies were reported as of May 30 of this year, and so far 897,000 have either been taken care of or are in the process of being handled. 

Those who have been flagged for household income inconsistencies will not lose their coverage come October. Rather, their plans could be altered as soon as Nov. 1 if they don't respond to requests for information by the CMS. Such alterations could include changes to co-pays and premiums.

These unresolved income inconsistencies could also affect individuals' taxes and tax refunds, according to the CMS. 

If you or someone you know has received a CMS notice regarding your Obamacare coverage, you should visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website as soon as possible and contact a CMS representative.