How to renew your District of Columbia Medicaid coverage

Last verified: June 2026

Renewal notices come from DC Medicaid

Always respond to official renewal notices from DC Medicaid. Missing a renewal deadline is the most common reason people lose Medicaid coverage — even when they're still eligible.

Federal changes in 2026 may affect DC Medicaid eligibility — respond to DHCF notices promptly

H.R. 1 (signed July 4, 2025) introduced new federal Medicaid requirements being implemented in DC. If DHCF sends a renewal packet, eligibility notice, or request for documentation, respond by the stated deadline. Coverage loss may result from non-response. Call (202) 727-5355 (TTY: 711) with questions.

How DC Medicaid renewal works

DC Medicaid coverage requires annual renewal (redetermination). DHCF and DHS work together to confirm eligibility — first by trying to verify income and household data through administrative sources. When that succeeds, coverage renews automatically without requiring action from the member.

DC's high income threshold (215% FPL for adults) and urban infrastructure mean that a larger proportion of DC members successfully renew through the ex parte process than in states with lower thresholds or weaker data-matching. DC experienced relatively lower rates of coverage loss during the post-pandemic unwinding period in 2023–2024 compared to states with more restrictive eligibility structures.

Steps to complete your DC Medicaid renewal

1

Keep your address and contact information current

Contact your IMA Service Center or call (202) 727-5355 to update your mailing address and phone number. DHCF sends renewal packets by mail.
2

Watch for renewal packets

DHCF sends renewal packets before your coverage end date when a renewal form is needed. Review any mail from DHCF or DHS promptly.
3

Complete and return the renewal form

Return by mail or in person at your nearest IMA Service Center. Call (202) 727-5355 for phone assistance. Respond before the deadline in the notice.
4

Appeal if you disagree with the result

If coverage is terminated at renewal and you believe the decision is wrong, you have the right to a fair hearing. DHCF must provide written notice with the reason for termination. For SSI-linked decisions, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

Reporting changes in income or household size

DC Medicaid requires members to report changes in income, household size, or other circumstances that could affect eligibility. Because DC's income thresholds are high (215% FPL for adults), income increases that would push you off Medicaid in a lower-threshold state may still leave you eligible in DC.

If your income increases above DC's threshold, you may qualify for a subsidized health plan through the federal marketplace at healthcare.gov. DC residents between 100% and 400%+ FPL may qualify for premium tax credits. DC also operates its own supplemental subsidies for marketplace plans in some income ranges — check dchealthlink.com for DC-specific marketplace information.

Post-pandemic coverage losses: the 2023–2024 unwinding

During the COVID-19 public health emergency (March 2020 through March 2023), federal law prohibited states from removing people from Medicaid. When that protection ended, states conducted a mass redetermination of all enrolled members — known as the "unwinding." Millions of people lost coverage nationally between April 2023 and late 2024, many due to administrative reasons like outdated addresses rather than actual ineligibility. If you lost District of Columbia Medicaid during that period without receiving a renewal notice, you may still be eligible. Contact DC Medicaid to reapply.

How to complete your renewal

When DC Medicaid sends a renewal notice, here's what to do:

1

Read the notice carefully

Identify exactly what the agency is asking for and the deadline to respond. Renewal packets may ask you to confirm your current income, household size, or address.
2

Update your information

If anything has changed — income, address, phone number, household members — report it now. Outdated contact information is the leading cause of missed renewal notices.
3

Submit the renewal online, by phone, or by mail

DC Medicaid's online portal is typically the fastest way to complete a renewal. You may also call the enrollment line or mail in your completed packet.
4

Confirm your coverage continued

After submitting, confirm you receive a notice that coverage was renewed. If you don't hear back within a few weeks, call DC Medicaid to verify your status.

If your renewal is denied

A denial must state the reason in writing and explain your right to appeal. You have 90 days from the date of the notice to request a fair hearing. File the appeal quickly — if you appeal before your coverage ends, you may be able to continue coverage during the appeal period, though this depends on timing and the reason for denial.

Common renewal denials include: income that increased above the threshold, failure to respond to the renewal packet, a change in household size that affects eligibility, or immigration status questions. Some of these can be addressed by reapplying with updated information rather than appealing.

Contact DC Medicaid within the 90-day window. A reconsideration or new application filed promptly can often restore coverage retroactively to the date it was lost.

Keeping your account information up to date

The most effective way to avoid renewal problems is to report changes promptly. Federal rules require Medicaid enrollees to report changes that may affect eligibility within a specified period — typically 10 to 30 days depending on the state.

Changes to report: new job or income change, move to a new address, change in household size (new baby, someone moves in or out), gaining or losing other health coverage. Contact DC Medicaid or update your information through the online portal at https://dhcf.dc.gov/service/medicaid.