Protect yourself from fraud
Please be aware of Medicaid renewal scams. If you receive a phone call, text message, or email asking you to pay for Medicaid renewal, don’t send payment. This is a possible fraud attempt, and you should contact your state Medicaid office instead. Kaiser Permanente and your state Medicaid office won’t ask for payment when you’re renewing your Medicaid coverage.

Medicaid 2023: your renewal guide

Medicaid renewal and redetermination start April 1, 2023. To avoid losing your coverage, it’s important to understand how Medicaid renewal works.

Medicaid renewal at a glance

If you or your family get Medicaid benefits, you may need to renew your coverage every year. The Medicaid renewal process — sometimes called Medicaid redetermination or recertification — includes children covered under Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) benefits. Your state’s Medicaid office will check your information to see if you’re still eligible.

Here’s what you need to know about Medicaid renewal, how to stay covered, and what to do if you no longer qualify.

Person sitting at desk using computer

Find out how to renew your coverage in your state

Medicaid renewal is a little different in every state. It’s important to know what information your state needs from you and how you should report it. To stay covered, review your state’s specific requirements.

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Medicaid renewal: Deadlines and key dates

 When will states begin the renewal process?

After April 1, 2023, states have up to 12 months to start renewals.1 If you don’t meet your state’s requirements for benefits, your Medicaid coverage with Kaiser Permanente could end as early as June 1, 2023.
 

How do I get a letter about my renewal?

Before April 1, 2023, make sure your state Medicaid office has your current mailing address, phone number, and email. That way, they can contact you about your renewal.

Find your state’s Medicaid contact information

Visit the Medicaid website and look for your state’s name. The Medicaid contact information will be under your state.


 

The COVID-19 public health emergency paused Medicaid renewals

The federal government declared the COVID-19 pandemic a public health emergency in 2020. This allowed people to keep their Medicaid benefits without going through renewal.2 The government has extended the public health emergency many times since 2020. As a result, many members haven’t renewed their benefits since then.3

Congress recently passed a law that says states must start the Medicaid renewal process again in 2023.4

Understanding the Medicaid renewal process

How do I renew my Medicaid coverage?

Your state Medicaid office will review your information to see if you or your family members still meet the requirements. If you meet the requirements, you might not have to fill out any forms.5
 

Your state may need more information to see if you qualify. If they do, they’ll send you a letter in the mail or online.6 This letter will let you know if you need to complete a renewal form and how much time you have to respond. If your state asks you, fill out the renewal form by mail or online. You’ll want to send your state the renewal form and any documents they request right away. That way, you can avoid a gap in your coverage.
 

What should I do if I don’t get a renewal letter?

If you think you should have gotten a letter, contact your state Medicaid office
 

What information will my state ask me for?

Your state will tell you what information they need from you. They might ask for:

  • Proof of citizenship for any new members of your household
  • The most recent pay stubs for anyone who works
  • Proof of any income you receive other than by working
  • If you stopped working, proof that your job ended
     

Do I have to renew my Medicaid every year?

It varies by state, but most states ask you to renew your benefits every year.

Dual coverage for people with Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal)

Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) are a type of Medicare Advantage plan, like an HMO or PPO, for people who get Medicare and Medicaid benefits. You need to have Medicaid coverage to qualify for a D-SNP. If you qualify for Medicaid and Medicare, you’re considered “dual eligible.”

 

If you qualify for a D-SNP, you may get extra benefits and lower costs when compared to original Medicare.

 

You may need to renew your Medicaid coverage if you are dual eligible and get D-SNP benefits. If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, you’ll need to choose a different Medicare plan.

What should I do if my Medicaid coverage ends?

If you think your state made a mistake, you can appeal their decision. Your state must allow you to ask for a fair hearing about a denial.7 Each state has a different appeal process, so check your state’s rules before starting an appeal.

 

Stay covered

If you no longer qualify for Medicaid, you still have options. You might be able to buy a health plan through a health benefit exchange, get coverage through your employer or continue your coverage with Kaiser Permanente.

 

If you need help with your renewal, call our Medicaid Assistance Center at 1-800-557-4515 (TTY 711) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Español: 1-800-545-7263 (TTY 711)

1Louise Norris, “Medicaid Eligibility Redeterminations Will Resume in 2023. Here’s What Enrollees Need to Know,” Healthinsurance.org, December 28, 2022.
2Kelly Moss et al., “The Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Summary of Key Provisions,” Kaiser Family Foundation, March 23, 2020.
3“Renewal of Determination that a Public Health Emergency Exists,” HHS, Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, October 13, 2022.
4“H.R.2617 — Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023,” Congress.gov, December 29, 2022.
5“Medicaid Redetermination,” Healthinsurance.org, accessed on January 13, 2022.
6“Renew Your Medicaid or CHIP Coverage,” Medicaid.gov, accessed on January 12, 2023.
7“Medicaid Eligibility,” Medicaid.gov, accessed on January 12, 2023.