Do I need to renew my Medicaid?
Yes. Medicaid and FAMIS coverage must be renewed every year.
Medicaid renewals were put on pause for a few years during the COVID-19 pandemic, but now Medicaid recipients need to renew their coverage every year. You may need to take steps each year 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.
Keep Cardinal Care informed about how to contact you.
It’s important to stay informed about your Medicare coverage. Cardinal Care 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 make updates:
Online in your CommonHelp account
Over the phone by calling Cover Virginia at 833-5CALLVA (TTY: 1-888-221-1590)
Cardinal Care will try to contact all enrollees about their Medicaid coverage. 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.