Medicaid Renewal (Redetermination): How It Works and How to Keep Coverage
Reviewed October 5, 2026. Medicaid renewal, also called redetermination, is the regular check your state does to confirm you still qualify for Medicaid. Under federal rules, states renew most people once every 12 months, first trying to renew you automatically using data they already have. If they can’t, they mail you a renewal form, already filled in with what they know, and give you at least 30 days to return it. Starting with renewals scheduled on or after January 1, 2027, most Medicaid expansion adults will be renewed every six months instead.
Quick answer: Watch your mail and your state Medicaid account, return any renewal form by the deadline, and keep your address current. If you lose coverage for not returning the form, most states must reconsider you without a new application if you send it within 90 days.
How Medicaid renewal works
CMS summarizes the federal renewal rules for states this way (Medicaid.gov):
| Step | What the state does | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Automatic (ex parte) renewal | Checks reliable data it already has, such as wage and benefit records | Nothing, if the state can confirm you still qualify. You’ll get a notice. |
| 2. Renewal form | Sends a form prepopulated with your information if it can’t renew you automatically | Review, correct and return it with any requested proof |
| 3. Deadline | Gives you at least 30 days to respond | Return it online, by phone, by mail or in person |
| 4. Decision notice | Must send notice at least 10 days before ending coverage | Read it, and appeal or reapply if needed |
| 5. Reconsideration | Must reconsider you if you return the form within 90 days after coverage ends | Send the form as soon as possible |
How often you have to renew Medicaid
- Most people today: once every 12 months. CMS says states must renew MAGI Medicaid and CHIP eligibility “once every 12 months and no more frequently.”
- Older adults and people with disabilities (non-MAGI groups): states must apply the same 12-month frequency and form rules by June 3, 2027.
- Medicaid expansion adults, starting in 2027: every six months. CMS guidance on Section 71107 says this applies to renewals scheduled on or after January 1, 2027 (CMS, April 2026). Other MAGI groups, non-MAGI groups and certain American Indians and Alaska Natives aren’t included.
Expansion adults also face a new work and community engagement requirement checked at application and renewal. Read what the 2025 Medicaid changes mean for you.
How to renew your Medicaid
- Update your contact information now. Most coverage losses happen because a form went to an old address.
- Check your state Medicaid account for your renewal date and any tasks. See how to sign in to your state Medicaid portal.
- Open every letter from Medicaid, including ones that say “renewal,” “redetermination” or “review.”
- Review the prefilled form and correct anything that’s wrong, such as income, household members or address.
- Gather proof the state asks for, such as recent pay stubs, a benefits letter or proof of address.
- Return it before the deadline by your state’s online portal, phone line, mail or in person. Keep a copy or confirmation number.
- Watch for the decision notice and act quickly if you’re denied.
What to do if your Medicaid ends
- Didn’t return your form? Send it now. If you return it within 90 days after coverage ends, the state must reconsider your eligibility without a new application.
- Think the decision is wrong? Ask for a fair hearing by the deadline on your notice. In some cases, asking quickly lets your coverage continue during the appeal.
- No longer eligible? You may qualify for Marketplace coverage at HealthCare.gov, often with financial help, through a special enrollment period after losing Medicaid.
- Turning 65 or have Medicare? See Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help, which use different income limits.
Common reasons people lose Medicaid at renewal
- The renewal form went to an old address
- The form or documents weren’t returned on time
- Requested proof was missing
- Income went up, or household size changed
- The state couldn’t reach the person to resolve a question
Most of these are paperwork problems you can prevent. If you’re in a Medicaid managed care plan, your health plan may also remind you about renewal, but only your state can renew you.
Renewal for people with Medicare and Medicaid
Dual-eligible beneficiaries renew Medicaid with their state too, and losing Medicaid can affect a dual special needs plan, Medicare Savings Program help and Extra Help. If you have both, keep returning Medicaid renewal forms even though your Medicare continues. The new six-month renewals and work rules don’t apply to people enrolled in Medicare. Learn more about dual eligibility. If a nursing home stay is involved, see how the Medicaid spend down works.
Medicaid renewal vs. redetermination
They mean the same thing. “Redetermination” is the formal term for the state’s review of your eligibility, and “renewal” is the everyday word. Some states also use “recertification” or “annual review.”
Frequently asked questions
How do I renew my Medicaid?
If your state can’t renew you automatically, it sends a form. Complete it and return it online, by phone, by mail or in person by the deadline, along with any proof requested.
How long do I have to return my Medicaid renewal form?
At least 30 days. Your form or notice shows your exact deadline.
What is a Medicaid redetermination?
It’s the state’s periodic review of whether you still qualify for Medicaid. It’s the same as a Medicaid renewal.
Will I have to renew Medicaid every six months?
Only if you’re in the Medicaid expansion adult group, for renewals scheduled on or after January 1, 2027. Most other groups stay on a 12-month cycle.
Can I renew Medicaid online?
Yes. Federal rules require states to accept renewals online, by phone, by mail and in person.
This article is general information. Medicare365 is not affiliated with or endorsed by CMS, any state Medicaid agency or any U.S. government agency.