How to renew Medicaid online: steps and requirements

As of November 2021, Medicaid provided healthcare coverage to around seventy-two million people in the US. These figures make Medicaid the largest healthcare provider in the US. The program extends coverage to low-income individuals, families, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.

A concern for many is the fact that in the coming weeks, pandemic eligibility expansions are set to expire which could leave millions without healthcare coverage.

Eligibility tends to vary widely by state but across the nation those who receive Supplemental Security Income through the Social Security Administration are able access Medicaid. There are two main categories of requirements that must be met to become eligible for Medicaid: financial and non-financial.

What are the Medicaid financial requirements?

The Affordable Care Act standardized eligibility by establishing "a new methodology for determining income eligibility for Medicaid, which is based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income." These income requirements vary by state and it is best to check with the qualifying agency in your jurisdiction for more specific information.

What are the Medicaid non-financial requirements?

These requirements relate mostly to the citizenship status of the person applying for benefits. Only citizens and "qualifying non-citizens" can receive healthcare through Medicaid. Additionally, the oversight agency will review ones "age, or by pregnancy or parenting status" which could impact eligibility.

How does one renew their Medicaid benefits?

Each year that you are eligible to receive Medicaid benefits you will need to renew them. This process varies by state. For example, in New York you can renew benefits over the phone or visit an enrollment center.

Illinois on the other hand sends beneficiaries a form in the mail asking them if they would like to renew their coverage another year.

Best to check with your state's agency for the exact requirements.