How to renew your Massachusetts Medicaid coverage

Last verified: June 2026

Renewal notices come from MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid)

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

MassHealth renewal notices are sent by mail — keep your address updated

MassHealth sends annual renewal (redetermination) packets by mail. Members who have moved or have an outdated address on file may miss their renewal packet and lose coverage. Update your address immediately at mahix.org/individual/ or by calling MassHealth at (800) 841-2900. Electronic notice options are available through the MA Login portal.

How MassHealth renews your coverage

MassHealth conducts annual eligibility redeterminations. For most members, EOHHS first attempts an ex parte renewal — pulling electronic data from SSA, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR), and wage records to verify eligibility without requiring action from the member. If ex parte verification succeeds, MassHealth renews automatically and mails a notice.

When ex parte cannot confirm eligibility, MassHealth sends a renewal packet by mail. Members must return the completed packet within 30 days. Unreturned packets result in termination — though members can reapply immediately if they remain eligible.

Steps to complete your MassHealth renewal

1

Watch for your renewal packet in the mail

MassHealth mails renewal packets approximately 60 days before your eligibility end date. The packet arrives at the address on file. If you moved, update your address at mahix.org/individual/ or call (800) 841-2900 immediately.
2

Review the pre-filled information

MassHealth uses existing data to pre-fill the renewal form. Review it carefully — confirm or correct your address, income, household members, and insurance information.
3

Gather documentation if income has changed

If your income has changed since your last application, you may need to provide pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or a self-attestation form. The renewal notice will specify what is needed.
4

Submit your renewal

Return the completed packet by mail using the return envelope provided, by fax, or submit online at mahix.org/individual/ through your MA Login account. MassHealth Enrollment Centers accept in-person submissions.
5

Confirm your approval

MassHealth will mail a notice of its renewal decision. Keep the approval notice — it confirms your coverage type and effective period.

Documents that may be needed for MassHealth renewal

Recent pay stubs (one or two months)
Employer letter or self-employment income records
Federal or state tax return (if self-employed)
Social Security, SSI, or SSDI award letter
Medicare card (if enrolled in Medicare)
Proof of Massachusetts residency (utility bill, lease agreement, mail from a government agency)
Updated household size and income information

If your MassHealth coverage was terminated

If MassHealth terminates coverage and you disagree with the decision, you have the right to request a Board of Hearings appeal within 30 days of the notice. If you request a hearing before the coverage end date, MassHealth must continue your coverage at the previous level while the appeal is pending — this is called "aid pending hearing."

To request a hearing, call the MassHealth Board of Hearings at (617) 847-1200 or 1-800-685-9312. Free legal aid may be available through Greater Boston Legal Services (617-603-1700) or your regional legal aid program if you need help with the appeal process.

Certified Application Counselors can help with MassHealth renewal

Free Certified Application Counselors (CACs) are trained to help members complete MassHealth renewals. Call MassHealth at (800) 841-2900 to be connected with a counselor in your area.

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

How to complete your renewal

When MassHealth (Massachusetts 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

MassHealth (Massachusetts 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 MassHealth (Massachusetts 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 MassHealth (Massachusetts 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 MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid) or update your information through the online portal at https://www.mass.gov/masshealth.