How often do you have to renew Medicaid?
Louisiana Medicaid coverage generally must be renewed once a year. When it is time for your renewal, Louisiana Medicaid will review whether you still qualify. Some people can be renewed automatically using information the state already has. If Medicaid needs information from you, you will receive a letter telling you what to send and when it is due.
Keep your mailing address, phone number, and other contact information up to date so you do not miss an important Medicaid notice. The Louisiana Department of Health's Medicaid renewal page has the latest renewal instructions.
What is Medicaid redetermination?
Medicaid redetermination is the process Louisiana uses to check whether you still qualify for Medicaid. It is also called a Medicaid renewal.
Louisiana first tries to renew some members using information already available through government data sources. This is sometimes called an automatic or ex parte renewal.
If Medicaid can confirm that you still qualify, you may be renewed without having to fill out a full renewal form.
If the state cannot confirm everything it needs, Medicaid will send you a renewal form or a request for more information. Be sure to respond by the date listed in your letter. You can lose coverage for not sending requested information even if you may still qualify for Medicaid.
How do you renew Louisiana Medicaid?
If Louisiana Medicaid tells you that you need to take action, complete your renewal by the deadline in your notice.
Watch your mail. Medicaid will send you a letter when it is time to renew or if more information is needed.
Read the whole letter. Look for what Medicaid needs from you and the due date.
Gather your information. You may need information about household members, income, jobs, or other health insurance.
Complete your renewal. Louisiana Medicaid allows members to renew online, by phone, by mail or fax, or in person.
Send any requested documents. Do this before the deadline listed in your letter.
Keep your contact information updated. If you move or change phone numbers, update Louisiana Medicaid so important notices reach you.
The fastest option for many families is Louisiana Medicaid's online Self-Service Portal. You can also call 1-888-342-6207, Monday through Friday, for Medicaid renewal help. The Louisiana Department of Health also lists the current ways to renew and what information you may need.
Do children and pregnant people lose Medicaid coverage during renewal?
Children and people who recently had a pregnancy have special Medicaid coverage protections.
Children under age 19 enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program generally receive 12 months of continuous coverage. This means most changes during that 12-month period will not end their coverage before the period is over.
Louisiana also provides eligible people with Medicaid coverage for up to 12 months after a pregnancy ends.
You should still read and respond to any letters you receive from Medicaid. Different people in the same household can also have different renewal dates or eligibility rules.
If you are not sure when your coverage ends or whether you need to renew, visit the Louisiana Medicaid renewal page or call 1-888-342-6207.
For more information, you can also read Nest Health's Louisiana Medicaid guide and guide to renewing Louisiana Medicaid.
Nest services may be available to your family at no additional cost through your Medicaid health plan. Call 866-222-NEST (6378) to check your eligibility.
