How to renew your Hawaii Medicaid coverage

Last verified: June 2026

Renewal notices come from Med-QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid)

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

Med-QUEST is sending text messages from number 45421 — be aware of scam texts from other numbers

Hawaii Med-QUEST sends official text messages from 45421. Per Med-QUEST's official notice: texts from other numbers claiming to be Med-QUEST should be treated with caution. For renewal assistance, call the official Med-QUEST line at 1-800-316-8005 (TTY: 711) or visit medquest.hawaii.gov directly.

How Med-QUEST renews your coverage

Hawaii Med-QUEST renews eligibility annually through a redetermination process. DHS first attempts an ex parte review — using electronic data sources such as Social Security Administration records, state wage data, and IRS information to confirm continued eligibility without requiring member action. If ex parte verification confirms you are still eligible, DHS renews your coverage and notifies you.

When electronic data is insufficient, DHS sends a renewal form and may contact you by mail, phone, or text (from 45421). You must respond by the deadline on the notice — typically within 30 days — or coverage will end.

How to complete your Med-QUEST renewal

1

Check for renewal notices through Med-QUEST

DHS sends renewal notices by mail, text (from 45421), and phone. Make sure your current mailing address, phone number, and email are on file with Med-QUEST. Call 1-800-316-8005 to update contact information.
2

Review and confirm your information

Verify your current address, income, household size, and employment. Report any changes since your last renewal — income changes, new household members, or moves to a different island all need to be reported.
3

Submit requested documentation

If DHS cannot verify income electronically, you may be asked for pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of Hawaii residency. Submit documents through KOLEA online, by mail to your island DHS office, or in person at a Med-QUEST office.
4

Complete renewal by the deadline

Respond to your renewal notice through the KOLEA online system, by calling 1-800-316-8005, or in person at a Med-QUEST office on your island. The notice will state the response deadline.
5

Confirm your plan is still active

After renewal is processed, confirm your Med-QUEST plan (AlohaCare, HMSA, Kaiser, or Ohana) is still active. Plan assignments can change at renewal. Check the member information you receive and contact your plan if anything seems incorrect.

Documents that may be needed for Med-QUEST renewal

Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
Prior year tax return or self-employment income records
Social Security or SSI award letter
Proof of Hawaii residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement)
Immigration documents if status has changed
Updated household information if composition has changed

If Med-QUEST coverage ends

If DHS terminates your Med-QUEST coverage and you believe you remain eligible, you have the right to a grievance and appeals process. Request a hearing within 30 days of the termination notice. If you request before the coverage end date, Hawaii may continue coverage while the appeal is pending.

Hawaii has the Hawaii Child Wellness Incentive Program (CWIP) — receive $50 for a well-child visit

Hawaii offers a $50 incentive to Med-QUEST families who take their child to a well-child visit through the Hawaii Child Wellness Incentive Program (CWIP). This is a concrete example of Med-QUEST's prevention-focused approach. Learn more at medquest.hawaii.gov/content/medquest/en/members-applicants/already-covered/Hawaii_CWIP.html.

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 Hawaii Medicaid during that period without receiving a renewal notice, you may still be eligible. Contact Med-QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid) to reapply.

How to complete your renewal

When Med-QUEST (Hawaii 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

Med-QUEST (Hawaii 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 Med-QUEST (Hawaii 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 Med-QUEST (Hawaii 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 Med-QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid) or update your information through the online portal at https://medquest.hawaii.gov.