The certificate of insurance coverage is proof of a Medicaid recipient's most recent period of Medicaid coverage. The Department of State Health Services sends the certificate, a requirement of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, to denied recipients. HIPAA mandates that prior health insurance coverage must be counted toward reducing or eliminating any applicable pre-existing condition exclusion period when a person enrolls in a new health insurance plan. Former Medicaid recipients may request a certificate within 24 months after their Medicaid is denied by calling 1-800-723-4789.