A Return to Normal Medicaid Renewals: What You Need To Know
You may be hearing information in the news about the federal protections around Medicaid and how the end of those protections will impact Medicaid programs. Medicaid is NOT terminating coverage for all enrollees, but you may need to take steps to keep your coverage.
Below is some important information about the renewal process. If you have questions about Medicaid, need help completing your renewal or reapplying, or want to learn more about other affordable coverage, contact a navigator.
During the pandemic, the federal government has been giving states additional funding for Medicaid as long as they do certain things like covering COVID testing, vaccines and treatments, and not ending Medicaid for any enrollee. That means that over the past few years, people have been able to stay on Medicaid without doing an annual renewal even if their circumstances changed. People who enrolled in Medicaid during the pandemic have been covered by these same protections. This continuous coverage requirement ended March 31, 2023.
This doesn’t mean that your Medicaid is ending! But it is important to stay informed about your Medicaid coverage. Virginia uses the mail to communicate important Medicaid information and you risk losing coverage if they can’t contact you. If you have moved or your contact information has changed, there are three ways you can update it with the state:
Online in your CommonHelp account
Over the phone by calling Cover Virginia at 833-5CALLVA (TTY: 1-888-221-1590)
Virginia Medicaid will try to contact all enrollees between March 2023 and April 2024. Here’s what you need to know about the process:
Check your mail every day and look out for important information about your Medicaid coverage.
You will receive either a notice saying your coverage has been automatically renewed or a renewal form asking for more information that will help the state determine if you are still eligible. You must complete the renewal or your coverage will end. Once you submit the form, the state will send you a notice telling you if you are still eligible or not.
Pay attention to deadlines. You will have 30 days from the mailing date to submit the information.
You can complete your renewal online in your CommonHelp account, over the phone with Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282, or by mailing it to the address on the form or returning it to your local DSS.
If you miss the deadline and your coverage ends, you can still submit it within 90 days — your coverage will be reinstated if you are still eligible. You will have to complete a new application if you miss the 90 day window. Medicaid applications are accepted year-round.
If you need help with the renewal or if you lose coverage for any reason, contact a navigator for help.
A navigator can help you review your options and reapply for Medicaid or transition to new health coverage. Don’t wait! You will have a limited time period to enroll in alternative coverage, like a Marketplace plan or your employer’s health plan. Moving quickly will also help you avoid any gaps in coverage.
You can find a navigator in your community using our website or by calling our free helpline at 1-888-392-5132.
Visit our page for community partners and advocates for more information and resources.