Renewing Medicaid so coverage doesn't stop
What your renewal letter means and what to send back.
Why you get a renewal notice
Medicaid is not a permanent benefit — your eligibility is checked periodically. Starting December 31, 2026, most expansion adults (ages 19–64) must renew every 6 months instead of once a year. Your state will send a renewal packet by mail (and by email or text if you have opted in).
Types of renewal
Automatic (ex parte) renewal
Your state checks your information against data it already has (tax records, SSA data, state wage records). If your income still makes you eligible, your state renews your coverage automatically and sends a notice saying you don't need to do anything. This is the easiest outcome.
Active renewal required
If your state cannot confirm eligibility automatically, it sends you a renewal form to fill out. You must return it — with updated income, household, and address information — by the deadline on the form, typically 30 days.
If the notice goes to an old address and you miss it, your coverage can end even if you're still eligible. Log in to your state Medicaid portal now to confirm your contact details.
Find your state Medicaid portalWhat to include with your renewal form
- Current pay stubs or an employer letter showing income
- Benefit award letters (Social Security, unemployment) if income changed
- Proof of any new household members
- Current address and phone number
What if my coverage ends by mistake?
You have 90 days after coverage ends to request reinstatement without reapplying from scratch, as long as you were still eligible. Contact your state Medicaid office immediately. If your income or household has changed and you no longer qualify, you can apply for a Marketplace plan during a special enrollment period triggered by losing Medicaid.