Medicaid · Guide

Medicaid renewal: how to keep your coverage and what to do if it ends

Last updated 2026-10-24 · Reviewed against official sources · Editorial standards

Key takeaways

Most people on Medicaid must renew their coverage once every 12 months.
For most adults in the expansion group, renewals scheduled on or after Jan. 1, 2027, happen every 6 months. American Indians and Alaska Natives covered by the exemption stay on 12 months.
The state must first try to renew you with data it already has. If it cannot, it sends a renewal form and gives you at least 30 days.
If coverage ends because the form was not returned, you can send it within 90 days. The state must then look at your case again without a new application.
To appeal, you get a reasonable time set by your state, never more than 90 days from the date the notice is mailed.

How renewal works

The state must try to renew you without asking you for anything. It uses information in your file and data it can check. If that works, it sends a notice with the decision. You only need to answer if something in that notice is wrong.

If the state cannot renew you that way, it sends a renewal form with the facts it already has. You get at least 30 days from the date on the form to answer, sign it and send any papers. You can return it online, by phone, by mail or in person. The state cannot require an in-person interview.

These steps are required for groups judged by income. People in groups based on age, blindness or disability are reviewed at least every 12 months, and states may use the same steps for them.

The change to every 6 months

Section 71107 of Public Law 119-21 adds section 1902(e)(14)(L) to the Social Security Act. It requires renewals once every 6 months for most adults in the expansion group. CMS letter SMD 26-001, dated March 6, 2026, says this starts with renewals scheduled on or after Jan. 1, 2027. It also covers similar adults enrolled through a waiver that covers the whole group.

Children, pregnant women, parents in other groups and people in groups based on age or disability stay on 12 months. States may move people to the new schedule in one of two ways that CMS described. For people who must meet the work rule, the state also checks it at renewal.

How to get ready

Give the state your current address, phone number and email.
Open all mail from the state. The letter tells you if you need to fill out a form.
If you get a form, fill it out and return it right away to avoid a gap.
Report changes, such as a new job, a move or a new baby, through any of the ways you can apply.

If your coverage ends

In most cases, the state must send a notice at least 10 days before it ends or reduces coverage. The notice gives the reason and explains your right to a fair hearing. You can ask for a hearing within the time your state sets. That time can never be more than 90 days from the date the notice is mailed. If you ask before the date of the action, coverage usually continues until the hearing decision. If the state wins, it may ask you to repay the cost of that care.

The state must ordinarily make a final decision within 90 days of your request. If waiting could put your health at risk, ask for an expedited hearing. You can speak for yourself or use a lawyer, a relative, a friend or another spokesperson.

If you lose Medicaid, the state sends your contact details to the Marketplace. You may be able to buy a plan there with help on the cost. The Marketplace Call Center is 1-800-318-2596, and the TTY line is 1-855-889-4325.

Will the Medicaid work rule apply to me?Free · no sign-up · next page

Frequently asked questions

How do I know when my renewal is due?

Your state sends a notice or a renewal form. You can also check the status of your renewal by contacting your state Medicaid agency.

I missed the renewal form. Is it too late?

Not always. If your Medicaid is based on income and you send the form within 90 days after coverage ends, the state must look at your case again without a new application. Some states allow longer.

Will I have to renew every 6 months?

Only if you are an adult in the expansion group and not exempt as an American Indian or Alaska Native. It applies to renewals scheduled on or after Jan. 1, 2027.

Can someone charge me to keep my Medicaid?

No. Your state and the Marketplace will never ask for a credit card or a payment to keep or qualify for coverage. Report anyone who does.

Do I meet the Medicaid income limit?Free · no sign-up · next page How do I apply for Medicaid?Free · no sign-up · next page

DisclaimerThis site is privately owned and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any government agency. The information here is educational and does not constitute an application or a guarantee of benefits. We only point you to the official channels: we do not take applications and we are not a state Medicaid agency or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Sources

eCFR, 42 CFR 435.916, Periodic renewal of Medicaid eligibility: Renewal every 12 months, renewal from data, pre-filled form with at least 30 days, 90-day reconsideration, no interview. Read 2026-10-24.
Public Law 119-21 (H.R. 1, July 4, 2025), section 71107, Eligibility redeterminations: Adds Social Security Act section 1902(e)(14)(L): renewals every 6 months for the adult expansion group, scheduled on or after the first day of the first quarter that begins after December 31, 2026. Read 2026-10-24.
CMS, State Medicaid Director Letter #26-001, Implementation of Eligibility Redeterminations, section 71107 (March 6, 2026): 6-month renewals beginning with renewals scheduled on or after January 1, 2027; exemption for American Indians and Alaska Natives; two transition options. Read 2026-10-24.
Federal Register, 91 FR 33348 (June 3, 2026), CMS-2454-IFC, Medicaid Program; Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals: Interim final rule with comment period: states must start no later than January 1, 2027; effective July 31, 2026; the $580 income test at $7.25 an hour; 40 states and D.C. expanded. Read 2026-10-24.
Medicaid.gov, Renew Your Medicaid or CHIP Coverage: Update your contact information, check your mail, return the renewal form, Marketplace line 1-800-318-2596, scam warning. Read 2026-10-24.
Medicaid.gov, Where Can People Get Help With Medicaid & CHIP?: You must contact your state Medicaid agency to apply, check an application, get a card, find a provider or check a renewal. Read 2026-10-24.
eCFR, 42 CFR 431.211, Advance notice: Notice at least 10 days before the date of action. Read 2026-10-24.
eCFR, 42 CFR 431.221, Request for hearing: A reasonable time, not more than 90 days from the date the notice is mailed. Read 2026-10-24.
eCFR, 42 CFR 431.230, Maintaining services: Coverage continues if the hearing is requested before the date of action. Read 2026-10-24.
eCFR, 42 CFR 431.244, Hearing decisions: Final action ordinarily within 90 days of the hearing request. Read 2026-10-24.
eCFR, 42 CFR 431.224, Expedited appeals: Faster hearing when waiting could put health at risk. Read 2026-10-24.
eCFR, 42 CFR 431.206, Informing applicants and beneficiaries: Right to a fair hearing and to bring a lawyer, relative, friend or other spokesperson. Read 2026-10-24.
HealthCare.gov, Get Marketplace coverage if you lose or are denied Medicaid or CHIP coverage: The state sends your contact information to the Marketplace, free assisters, scam warning, lost in the past 90 days or losing in the next 60 days. Read 2026-10-24.
HealthCare.gov, Contact us: Marketplace Call Center 1-800-318-2596 (TTY 1-855-889-4325), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except holidays. Read 2026-10-24.