How to renew your North Dakota Medicaid coverage

Last verified: June 2026

Renewal notices come from North Dakota Medicaid

Always respond to official renewal notices from North Dakota 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 your eligibility — check hhs.nd.gov/stayenrolled

H.R. 1 (signed July 4, 2025) introduced new federal Medicaid requirements being implemented in 2026. ND HHS has posted updated guidance at hhs.nd.gov/stayenrolled. If you receive renewal forms or eligibility notices in 2026, respond promptly — delays can result in coverage loss.

How North Dakota Medicaid renewal works

North Dakota Medicaid coverage is issued for a set period — typically 12 months for children and adults — and requires periodic renewal (redetermination). ND HHS reviews eligibility at renewal using information already on file when possible. When HHS can confirm eligibility without additional documentation, it does so — this is called an "ex parte" renewal.

When ND HHS cannot confirm eligibility through administrative data, it sends a renewal form by mail. You must complete and return the form to keep your coverage. Watch your mail and respond quickly — returned forms are required; ignoring them will result in termination.

Steps to complete your North Dakota Medicaid renewal

1

Watch for renewal notices

ND HHS sends renewal packets by mail approximately 60 days before your coverage end date. Keep your mailing address current — contact HHS at 1-800-755-2604 to update your address if you have moved.
2

Review and complete your renewal form

Check that your income, household size, and contact information are accurate. If anything has changed, update it on the form and provide supporting documentation.
3

Return the form before the deadline

Return by mail to ND HHS, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 325, Bismarck, ND 58505-0250, or drop off at your local Human Service Zone office. You can also call 1-800-755-2604 to complete the renewal by phone.
4

Respond to any requests for documentation

If HHS requests additional income or household documentation, provide it within the timeframe specified in the notice.
5

Appeal if you disagree with the outcome

If your coverage is terminated at renewal and you believe the decision is wrong, request a fair hearing. North Dakota HHS must provide written notice with the reason for termination. You have the right to appeal.

If your coverage was terminated after the federal unwinding period

During the COVID-19 pandemic, states were prohibited from terminating Medicaid coverage. When the continuous enrollment requirement ended in April 2023, states began processing renewals again — a process called "unwinding." North Dakota, like all states, worked through its caseload during 2023 and 2024.

If you lost North Dakota Medicaid coverage during or after the unwinding period and believe you still qualify, you can reapply at any time. Coverage does not have a waiting period after previous termination. Apply online at hhs.nd.gov/healthcare/medicaid/apply, call 1-800-755-2604, or visit your local Human Service Zone office.

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 North Dakota Medicaid during that period without receiving a renewal notice, you may still be eligible. Contact North Dakota Medicaid to reapply.

How to complete your renewal

When North Dakota 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

North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota Medicaid or update your information through the online portal at https://www.hhs.nd.gov/medical-services/medical-services.