How to renew your Montana Medicaid coverage
Last verified: June 2026
Renewal notices come from Montana Medicaid
Keep your contact information current with DPHHS — renewal notices go to your address on file
How Montana Medicaid renews your coverage
Montana renews Medicaid eligibility annually through a redetermination process. DPHHS first attempts an ex parte review — using electronic data from the Social Security Administration, state wage records, and other federal and state databases to confirm eligibility without requiring action from the member. When ex parte verification works, coverage renews and DPHHS sends a notice.
When electronic verification is insufficient, DPHHS mails a renewal packet to the address on file. Members must return the completed renewal form with any required documentation by the deadline — typically 30 days from the notice date. Missing the deadline results in coverage termination, though members can reapply at any time.
How to complete your Montana Medicaid renewal
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1
Watch for your renewal notice
DPHHS sends renewal notices by mail approximately 60–90 days before your coverage anniversary date. Your renewal period is the same month each year as when you first enrolled. Keep your mailing address current — this is your primary responsibility between renewals.
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2
Review and update your information
Confirm that income, household members, address, and immigration status are still accurate. Report any changes in your household situation — income, family composition, address — before the renewal deadline.
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3
Gather documentation if requested
DPHHS may request income verification, proof of residency, or other documents if electronic verification doesn't confirm eligibility. Respond within the deadline stated on your renewal notice.
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4
Submit your renewal
Return your completed renewal form online through the DPHHS portal, by calling 1-800-362-8312, by mail, or in person at your local DPHHS office. Online or phone submission is generally faster than mail.
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5
Confirm your renewed coverage
After DPHHS processes your renewal, confirm that coverage is active before scheduling medical appointments or filling prescriptions. Call 1-800-362-8312 if you are unsure of your coverage status.
Documents that may be needed at renewal
- Recent pay stubs (one to two months) or self-employment income records
- Social Security or SSI award letter if receiving benefits
- Proof of Montana residency — utility bill, lease, bank statement
- Immigration documents if your status has changed
- Documentation of household changes (new members, changes in income)
Montana's Medicaid unwinding: what happened in 2023–2024
When the federal COVID-era continuous enrollment requirement ended in April 2023, Montana — like all states — resumed normal annual renewals. Per KFF tracking data, Montana had moderate coverage losses during the 2023–2024 unwinding period. A portion of those disenrollments were procedural — members who were still eligible but could not be reached or did not respond to renewal notices in time.
If you or a family member lost Montana Medicaid coverage during 2023 or 2024 and believe you may still be eligible, reapply at any time. Coverage can begin the first of the month you apply.
Post-pandemic coverage losses: the 2023–2024 unwinding
How to complete your renewal
When Montana Medicaid sends a renewal notice, here's what to do:
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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.
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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.
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3
Submit the renewal online, by phone, or by mail
Montana 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.
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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 Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana Medicaid or update your information through the online portal at https://dphhs.mt.gov/MontanaHealthcarePrograms.