Do You Have to Renew Medicaid Every Year?
Yes. Most people must renew their Medicaid coverage once a year. Your state may renew your coverage automatically if it already has the information it needs. If the state asks you for more information, you must respond by the deadline so you do not lose coverage.
What Is Medicaid Renewal?
Medicaid renewal is how your state checks whether you still qualify for coverage. You may also hear it called redetermination or recertification.
Your state will first try to renew your coverage using information it already has. This may include information about your income and household. If the state can confirm that you still qualify, it may renew your Medicaid automatically. You will receive a notice telling you that your coverage was renewed.
If the state needs more information, it will send you a renewal form or request for documents. You may be asked to confirm:
Your address and contact information
Who lives in your home
Your household income
Changes in jobs or other health insurance
Follow the directions in the notice and respond by the listed deadline.
For more information about Medicaid in your state, see Nest Health’s Louisiana Medicaid guide or Arizona Medicaid guide.
Federal rules require states to first try renewing Medicaid using reliable information already available to them. Arizona states that most eligibility renewals happen every 12 months.
What Happens If You Don’t Renew Medicaid on Time?
You could lose your Medicaid coverage if you do not respond to a renewal request by the deadline. Even someone who still qualifies may lose coverage if the state cannot confirm their information.
A gap in coverage may make it harder to get doctor visits, prescriptions, therapy, medical supplies, or other care. You may be able to appeal the decision or reapply, but your coverage may not restart right away.
To help prevent a gap:
Keep your mailing address, phone number, and email updated.
Read all letters, emails, and text messages from Medicaid.
Send requested information as soon as possible.
Save a copy or confirmation after submitting your renewal.
In Arizona: Sign in to Health-e-Arizona Plus to manage your benefits and view notices.
In Louisiana: Use the Louisiana Medicaid Self-Service Portal to check your benefits, report changes, or renew coverage. You can also call Louisiana Medicaid at 1-888-342-6207, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Louisiana Medicaid warns that members may lose coverage if they do not respond when more information is requested. Arizona members can manage benefits and notices through Health-e-Arizona Plus.
Can I Get Care Through Nest Health After Renewing My Medicaid?
Yes, you may be able to receive care through Nest Health if your Medicaid coverage is active and your family has a participating health plan. Nest offers medical, behavioral, and social care for parents and children in Louisiana and Arizona.
Depending on where you live, visits may be available at home, online, or in a nearby community setting. Learn more about Nest in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Maricopa County, or Mohave County.
Keep Your Coverage — and Get Care That Works for Your Family
Nest Health provides whole-family care for eligible Medicaid families through participating health plans. Our team can care for parents and children and help make doctor visits easier to fit into family life.
Call 866-222-NEST (6378) to find out whether Nest services are available to your family at no additional cost through your Medicaid health plan.
