Medicaid Recertification and Renewals 101
Keeping Your Benefits Secure Year After Year
Medicaid is a vital safety net for millions of older adults and people with disabilities, providing coverage for long-term care, home care, and essential medical services. But what many families don’t realize is that Medicaid eligibility isn’t permanent — it must be renewed each year through a recertification process.
This annual renewal confirms that an individual still meets financial and non-financial eligibility criteria. Missing the deadline or submitting incomplete documentation can lead to suspension or termination of coverage, even for individuals who still qualify. Understanding the process — and staying ahead of it — can make all the difference in protecting continuous care.
What Is Medicaid Recertification?
Medicaid recertification (also known as redetermination or renewal) is the process by which your state verifies that you remain eligible for benefits.
Each year, recipients are required to provide updated information regarding:
Income: Pensions, wages, Social Security, annuities, etc.
Resources: Checking and savings accounts, investment accounts, real property, and other assets.
Updated spousal refusal pages (if applicable)
Pooled income trust (if applicable)
Even if nothing has changed in your financial situation, Medicaid requires confirmation to maintain active coverage.
Why Recertification Matters More Than Ever
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, states paused regular renewals to ensure continuous coverage. When those federal protections ended in 2023, states resumed normal eligibility checks — a process affecting over 90 million Americans nationwide.
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), millions of people lost coverage not because they were ineligible, but due to procedural errors like missed mail, incomplete forms, or failure to respond on time.
For seniors relying on Medicaid to pay for nursing homes or home attendants, a lapse in coverage can lead to:
Disrupted care services
Unpaid medical bills
Risk of facility discharge for nonpayment
The burden of reapplying from scratch — a process that can take several months
In short, Medicaid renewal is not just a formality — it’s a lifeline that keeps vital health and long-term care benefits active.
Understanding the Renewal Timeline
Each state Medicaid agency sends a renewal notice or packet, typically 60–90 days before the renewal deadline.
The packet requests updated documents such as:
Verification of income (Social Security award letter, pension statements, etc.)
Insurance coverage, premiums (Medicare card, supplemental policy, etc.)
Statements from financial institutions confirming current balances
Other situation dependent forms
Failure to respond by the listed deadline can automatically trigger termination. If coverage lapses, reinstatement is not immediate — and benefits during that gap period are not guaranteed to be reimbursed retroactively.
Common Reasons for Termination
Studies show that nearly three-quarters of Medicaid disenrollments are for procedural reasons rather than financial ineligibility. Common mistakes include:
Not opening or understanding renewal mail. Notices often look like standard state mail and are overlooked.
Incomplete submissions. Even one missing signature or page can delay or deny renewal.
Unreported changes. Moving, adding an account, or a small deposit can alter reported asset totals.
Failing to confirm managed care participation. Some long-term care plans require separate renewals.
Not keeping proof. Always retain copies and receipts of what was submitted.
A proactive, organized approach — or professional assistance — can prevent these costly oversights.
Strategies to Ensure Smooth Renewal
1. Track your renewal date. Your renewal usually occurs on the anniversary of your Medicaid approval. Mark it in a calendar well in advance.
2. Update contact information. If you’ve moved or changed phone numbers, update your state Medicaid office immediately.
3. Prepare documents year-round. Keep current financial statements and identification readily available.
4. Submit early. Don’t wait for the deadline. Early submissions allow time to fix errors or replace missing forms.
5. Get professional support. Elder law attorneys and Medicaid specialists can handle the process end-to-end, ensuring compliance and preventing costly interruptions.
What Happens If You Miss the Renewal?
If Medicaid coverage ends due to a missed renewal, you can file for reinstatement within a certain period — usually 90 days — if you can show that you were still eligible. However, reinstatement is never guaranteed, and delays can leave you personally responsible for tens of thousands of dollars in care costs.
For example, the average monthly cost of nursing home care exceeds $10,000, and home care can cost $5,000–$8,000 per month. Missing even one month of Medicaid coverage can create severe financial strain.
How Moskowitz Legal Group Can Help
At Moskowitz Legal Group, we assist clients in every stage of the Medicaid process — from initial application to annual renewals and appeals. Our attorneys and paralegals:
Prepare and organize all necessary documentation
Ensure deadlines are met and forms are fully compliant
Track renewals to prevent accidental lapses
Coordinate with financial institutions, care providers, and Medicaid offices
Represent clients in disputes or recertification delays
We know how critical continuous coverage is for our clients — and we make sure your benefits stay protected year after year.
Don’t risk a lapse in care.
📞 For questions specific to Medicaid recertification, call our dedicated expert,
Sapir Evroni 212-419-0118 ext.111
📞 Or contact Moskowitz Legal Group today to schedule a free consultation.
