How to Renew Your Medicaid Coverage in 2026
Quick Summary
Check status by state
Log in to your state’s official portal and call your state’s number. Pick your state:
Open the Application Status Finder MEDICAID hub
- Apply through your state Medicaid agency or HealthCare.gov.
- Eligibility is based on income, household size, and category.
- Have proof of income, identity, and residency ready.
- Check and renew your coverage on your state portal.
- Use official government sites only.
California (Medi-Cal) renewal
Renew your Medi-Cal every year at BenefitsCal.com. Most members are renewed automatically; sometimes your county mails a renewal form you must review and return with any required proof.
Related timing: track a CHIP application status.
Ways to renew: online at BenefitsCal, by mail (follow your renewal form), by phone (the number on your form), or in person at your county Medi-Cal office. Documents: proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns) if you have income, plus proof of any changes.
If your renewal is late or you got no form: log in to BenefitsCal to check messages, or call Medi-Cal Member Services 1-800-541-5555 or your county office. If coverage ended, ask about reinstatement or a state fair hearing (1-800-952-5253). Processing: up to 45 days (90 if disability-based).
It also helps to know how long Medicaid approval can take.
Sources: DHCS — Keep Your Medi-Cal · BenefitsCal — verified July 11, 2026.
Florida (Medicaid) renewal
Renew your Florida Medicaid in MyACCESS and complete it within 30 days when DCF asks. Keep your contact information current — DCF sends text reminders to update your address or renew.
Phone: DCF Customer Call Center 1-850-300-4323 (Florida Relay 711).
Automatic vs. action required: if you are still eligible and it can renew automatically, you get an approval letter. If not, DCF sends a notice to reapply and you must complete a redetermination — if you do not respond, you can lose coverage.
If your renewal is late / no notice: log in to MyACCESS, update your info, then call 850-300-4323. If coverage ended, ask about reinstatement or a fair hearing.
Sources: Florida DCF — Medicaid · AHCA — Medicaid recipient resources — verified July 12, 2026.
New York Medicaid renewal
New York State of Health: you get a renewal notice from NY State of Health. Renew online — log in at nystateofhealth.ny.gov and click Update Application. Keep your address, phone, and email current and sign up for text alerts. Phone 1-855-355-5777.
Paper renewal (LDSS / NYC HRA): if you got a Medicaid renewal packet from your Local Department of Social Services or NYC HRA, complete and return it by the deadline — by USPS mail, fax, the NYDocSubmit app, or in person at your LDSS.
If late / no notice: log in to check, then call 1-855-355-5777 or your LDSS/HRA. If coverage ended, ask about reinstatement or a fair hearing.
Sources: NY State of Health — renew · NYC HRA — Medicaid renewal — verified July 12, 2026.
Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (Medicaid) renewal
Renew your Pennsylvania Medical Assistance by the due date on your renewal packet. There are four ways: online through COMPASS (log in to My COMPASS Account), by mail, by telephone at 1-866-550-4355, or in person at any local County Assistance Office.
Phone: DHS Customer Service Center 1-877-395-8930 (Philadelphia 215-560-7226); COMPASS Helpline 1-800-692-7462 (Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:45 p.m.). For your case, contact your local County Assistance Office (CAO).
If your coverage ended: you can submit your renewal up to 90 days after your Medicaid coverage ends — if you are still eligible, coverage reopens with no gap. Keep your contact information current so DHS can reach you.
Sources: PA DHS — Medicaid & CHIP renewals · COMPASS — verified July 12, 2026.
What are you trying to do?
Medicaid is not a one-time approval – you must renew it (also called redetermination) to keep your coverage. Missing a renewal is one of the most common reasons people lose Medicaid. Here is how to renew in 2026.
Quick answer
You renew Medicaid through your state – watch for a renewal notice and respond by the deadline on it. You can usually renew online, by phone, or by mail. Renewing on time prevents a gap in coverage.
When renewal happens
States review Medicaid eligibility on a regular cycle (usually once a year). You will get a renewal notice by mail, email, or in your online benefits account. Some people are renewed automatically if the state can confirm eligibility from existing data; others must return a form.
Update your contact info first
The #1 reason people lose coverage at renewal is a missed notice after a move. Log in to your state benefits portal (or call your state Medicaid office) and confirm your address, phone, and email are current. Check the application status guide to find your account.
What to submit
When your renewal packet arrives, provide current information:
- Household size and any changes.
- Income (pay stubs, benefit letters) – see what counts as income.
- Anything the state asks to verify.
Return it by the deadline on the notice. If your income changed during the year, you should report the change as it happens, not only at renewal.
How to renew
- Read the notice and note the due date.
- Renew online through your state portal, by mail, by phone, or in person.
- Submit any documents requested.
- Confirm it was received and keep a copy.
If your renewal is late or you lose coverage
If you missed the deadline, act immediately – many states have a short window to submit and keep coverage. See what to do if your renewal is late and what to do if you lose Medicaid. Children may still be covered by CHIP, and people with Medicare should review dual eligibility.
Tips
- Do not wait for the deadline – renew as soon as the packet arrives.
- Respond to every request for documents, even after you submit.
- Keep copies and your case number.
- Never pay a third party to renew – it is free.
What to do next
Confirm your contact info now so you do not miss the notice, then renew promptly when your packet arrives. New to Medicaid or reapplying? Start with Medicaid eligibility, and California residents can see how to apply for Medi-Cal.
Official sources
Learn how renewal works and find your state agency at medicaid.gov/renewals and medicaid.gov. Renewing is free.
Frequently asked questions
How often do I renew Medicaid?
Usually once a year, though timing varies by state and situation. Watch for a renewal notice and respond by its deadline.
Will I be renewed automatically?
Sometimes. If the state can confirm your eligibility from existing data, it may renew you automatically. Otherwise you must return a renewal form.
What if I lose coverage over paperwork?
Act fast – many states let you submit late within a short window to restore coverage. If not, you can reapply, and children may qualify for CHIP.
What to Do Next
Ready to act? Applying, checking status, and getting help are free through the official agency – you never pay a third party. Gather what you need, apply or respond early, and keep copies of everything you submit.
Having a problem? See Medicaid renewal denied? What to do.
Official links to apply & check status
Medicaid.gov
Official U.S. Medicaid & CHIP siteGOV SITE ↗
Find your state Medicaid agency
Apply through your stateGOV SITE ↗
HealthCare.gov
Apply for Medicaid or a marketplace plan
These are official government sites. Links open in a new tab. GlobalBenefits.org is not a government agency and does not process applications.
Renew and keep your Medicaid coverage
Watch for your renewal (redetermination) notice and respond before the deadline it lists. Update your income and household details in your state portal or return the renewal form. If you miss the date and lose coverage, many states allow a short reconsideration window to restore it – act fast. Find your state Medicaid office on Medicaid.gov.
Related guides: Medicaid renewal (redetermination).
Last verified: July 2026. GlobalBenefits.org is an independent guide, not a government agency; confirm details with the official agency.
See also: Renewal timing: How Long Does Medicaid Renewal Take? Timeline in 2026
Reviewed for accuracy · Updated July 13, 2026 · Based on official government sources.