Medicaid Renewal in 2026: How Redetermination Works and How Not to Lose Coverage
Medicaid is not a one-time approval. Every 12 months the state must confirm you still qualify, a process called redetermination or renewal. Millions of people lose coverage each year not because they are ineligible but because paperwork was missed. Knowing the sequence prevents that.
Step 1: the automatic check
Before asking you for anything, the state must try an ex parte renewal using tax, wage, unemployment and Social Security databases. If the data shows you are still under the limit, you are renewed and get a notice saying so. Roughly half of renewals now happen this way.
Step 2: the renewal packet
If data is missing or shows a change, a pre-populated form arrives 30–60 days before your renewal date, by mail and in the online portal. Confirm or correct it, attach requested proof (usually one recent pay stub per earner), and return it before the deadline. Online is fastest and leaves a timestamp.
Step 3: the decision
You receive a notice continuing coverage, moving you to a different program, or terminating. A termination notice must state the reason and your appeal deadline.
If coverage ends
- Procedural termination (form not returned): you have 90 days to submit it and be reinstated back to the termination date without a new application.
- Over income: a Marketplace special enrollment period opens for 60 days; with income under 150% FPL the plan may be free.
- Children often remain eligible when a parent does not; make sure they were renewed separately.
- Appeal: request a fair hearing by the deadline in the notice (30–90 days). Ask for coverage to continue during the appeal.
What to do next
- Log in to your state portal today and confirm your address, phone and email.
- Note your renewal month; set a reminder 60 days before.
- Report income changes within 10 days all year round.
- Keep the last two months of pay stubs somewhere easy to find.