How to renew your Kansas Medicaid coverage

Last verified: June 2026

Renewal notices come from KanCare (Kansas Medicaid)

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

KanCare renews annually — opt into text or email reminders to avoid missing your renewal date

KanCare (Kansas Medicaid) eligibility is reviewed every 12 months. KDHE/DCF processes renewals through the KEES portal at cssp.kees.ks.gov. Per kancare.ks.gov, KanCare can send renewal reminders by text message, phone call, email, or mail — opt into electronic notifications through the KEES portal so you never miss a renewal notice. You can also call 1-800-792-4884 or visit a DCF office to complete a renewal.

How KanCare renewal works

Kansas attempts ex parte renewal before contacting you. KDHE checks your income and household information against SSA, IRS, and state wage data. If the data confirm you still qualify, coverage renews automatically. You receive a notice confirming the renewal. Nothing further is required on your end.

If ex parte renewal cannot confirm eligibility — income change, household change, or data mismatch — KanCare sends a renewal packet. You have at least 30 days under 42 CFR 435.916 to respond before coverage ends. Timely response is critical.

Opt into electronic notices through the KEES portal. This is the most reliable way to catch your renewal notification — text and email alerts arrive faster than mail and don't get lost if you move.
Update your contact information proactively. Change your address, phone, or email in KEES any time it changes — not just at renewal.
Review the renewal form. KEES may pre-fill household and income data from state records. Correct any outdated information before submitting.
Gather documentation if requested. Renewal packets typically ask for recent pay stubs, proof of residency, or income verification for self-employed applicants.
Submit by the deadline. Use the KEES portal online, call 1-800-792-4884, or visit a DCF office. Document what you submitted and when.
Check for a coverage decision. If approved, coverage continues uninterrupted. If denied, you have the right to a hearing.

Renewal checklist

Set up electronic notifications (text and/or email) in the KEES portal at cssp.kees.ks.gov
Keep your address, phone, and email current in KEES — update immediately after any change
Watch for renewal notices from KanCare, KDHE, or DCF (may come from any of these)
Have income documentation ready at renewal time: recent pay stubs, award letters, or tax return
Report income or household changes to KEES within 10 days of the change, not just at renewal
If coverage lapses but you still qualify, contact KEES about reinstatement — retroactive coverage may be available in some cases
If you have LTSS (long-term care) coverage: MCO care coordinators are a separate contact from KEES eligibility — keep both contact information current

What to do if coverage is terminated

If KanCare terminates your coverage, you have the right to request a fair hearing within 90 days of the termination notice. If you request a hearing within 10 days while coverage is still active, you may continue receiving services while the appeal is decided.

Kansas Legal Services provides free legal help with KanCare appeals: kansaslegalservices.org or (785) 233-2068. The KIERA chat assistant on kancare.ks.gov can also help you update contact information or direct you to the right office for appeals.

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 Kansas Medicaid during that period without receiving a renewal notice, you may still be eligible. Contact KanCare (Kansas Medicaid) to reapply.

How to complete your renewal

When KanCare (Kansas 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

KanCare (Kansas 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 KanCare (Kansas 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 KanCare (Kansas 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 KanCare (Kansas Medicaid) or update your information through the online portal at https://www.kancare.ks.gov.