Ask the Expert — A Conversation About Medicaid Recertification
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For many older adults, Medicaid recertification can feel overwhelming. Deadlines, paperwork and changing requirements can make the process confusing — but they don’t have to go through it alone.
We sat down with Celestina Almendarez, Director of Intake & Enrollment Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE, to talk about what inspires her work, why Medicaid recertification matters and how her team helps participants maintain access to the care and services they depend on.
In Her Own Words
What drew you to working with older adults?
"I was drawn to working with older adults because I value the wisdom and life experience they bring, and I find it meaningful to support them in maintaining their dignity and quality of life.
I’m also motivated by personal experience. I want to care for older adults the same way I would hope someone would care for my own parents or grandparents — with patience, respect, and compassion."
What is Medicaid Recertification and why is it important for PACE participants?
"Medicaid recertification is a process completed regularly to confirm that an individual still qualifies for Medicaid by updating information like income, savings and health needs.
For older adults, this process is incredibly important because it helps ensure continued access to essential healthcare services, including doctor visits, medications, and long-term care. If someone misses their recertification deadline, they could lose coverage, which may interrupt their care and lead to significant medical costs.
Keeping up with recertification helps participants continue receiving the support and services they need to live safely and independently."
What are some common challenges participants may face during recertification?
"Participants often face challenges such as confusing paperwork, short deadlines, and difficulty gathering required documents, including proof of income or residency.
Communication issues — like missed notices or unclear instructions — can also lead to delays or loss of coverage. Additionally, limited access to assistance, language barriers, or changes in personal circumstances, like household size, can make the process more difficult to complete accurately and on time."
How does the CenterLight team support participants through the process?
"We meet participants where they are! CenterLight supports participants over the phone, in person at our PACE sites, and, when needed, through home visits. The team can walk participants and their family members through the Medicaid application process, help them create an ACCESS HRA account, gather the documents required for recertification and answer any questions they may have.
Can you recall a moment where helping someone through recertification made a real difference?
"During a particularly challenging period, one of our participants was hospitalized at the time their Medicaid recertification was due.
We maintained close coordination with the participant and their family throughout the process, recognizing how critical it was to ensure uninterrupted care after discharge. Through ongoing communication with the participant’s daughter and the Human Resources Administration (HRA), we successfully reestablished Medicaid coverage and ensured that essential services continued without interruption."
For Celestina, moments like these are a reminder of why her work matters.
“It’s about more than paperwork,” she says. “It’s about helping people maintain access to the care they need and giving families peace of mind.”
Celestina Almendarez is the Director of Intake & Enrollment Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
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Last Updated June 18, 2026