Medicaid Renewal: How to Keep Your Coverage

Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding. If you have Medicaid, you need to renew it periodically to keep your coverage active. Here's what you need to know.

When Do You Need to Renew?

Your state will tell you when to renew. Most states renew coverage once a year. Your state sends a notice in the mail telling you:

• When your renewal is due
• How to renew
• What information to send

Keep an eye on your mail during renewal season. If your income or family size changes during the year, report it right away—don't wait for your renewal notice. Changes can affect whether you still qualify.

What Information You'll Need

When you renew, have these documents ready:

• Recent pay stubs or proof of income
• Tax returns
• Proof of citizenship or legal residency (if your state requires it)
• Proof of your address
• Information about household members
• Proof of Social Security Number

Check your renewal notice to see exactly what your state wants. Different states ask for different things.

How to Renew

You can renew in several ways:

Online: Most states let you renew on their Medicaid website. This is usually the fastest way. Log in to your account and follow the steps.

Through HealthCare.gov: You can also renew through HealthCare.gov, which will send your application to your state.

By mail: Your renewal notice should have instructions for mailing in your form.

By phone: Call your state Medicaid agency. The number is on your Medicaid card or renewal notice.

In person: You can also go to your local Medicaid office to renew.

After You Apply

Your state will review your application and send you a letter saying whether you still qualify. This usually takes [VERIFY: typical processing time].

If you qualify, your coverage continues. If your income is too high or you no longer meet other requirements, your coverage may end.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline

If you don't renew by the deadline, your Medicaid coverage will end. You'll get a notice telling you when this happens.

If you miss the deadline, you can still apply again. You can apply for Medicaid at any time of year, through your state Medicaid agency or through HealthCare.gov. Applying is free, and only your state decides whether you qualify.

Keep Your Information Up to Date

Between renewals, tell your state right away if:

• Your income changes
• Your address changes
• You have a new job or lose a job
• Someone joins or leaves your household
• Your citizenship or residency status changes

Reporting changes quickly keeps your coverage accurate and helps avoid problems at renewal time.

If You Have Questions

Contact your state Medicaid agency for help with your renewal. You can find your state agency on Medicaid.gov. The number should also be on your Medicaid card or renewal notice.