How to renew your Virginia Medicaid coverage

Last verified: June 2026

Renewal notices come from Virginia Medicaid

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

Virginia Medicaid renews annually — respond to renewal notices to avoid losing coverage

DMAS sends renewal (redetermination) notices 60 to 90 days before your coverage end date. Virginia requires a response — missing the notice or failing to provide updated information can result in termination. Members can renew online at commonhelp.virginia.gov, by calling 833-5CALLVA, or through their local DSS office.

How Virginia renews Medicaid coverage

Virginia renews Medicaid eligibility once a year through a process called redetermination. DMAS first attempts an ex parte renewal — checking electronic data sources (SSA records, IRS income data, employment databases) to confirm eligibility without requiring member action. If that check confirms eligibility, Virginia renews coverage automatically and notifies the member.

If the ex parte check is inconclusive, Virginia sends the member a renewal packet. The member must return the completed packet with any required documentation within the allotted time. Members who do not respond will have their Medicaid terminated — though they can reapply within 90 days if they become eligible again.

Steps to complete your Virginia Medicaid renewal

1

Watch for your renewal notice

DMAS sends renewal packets 60–90 days before your annual renewal date. The notice arrives by mail at the address on file. If you moved, update your address at commonhelp.virginia.gov immediately.
2

Review the pre-filled information

The renewal packet often includes information that DMAS already has on file. Review it carefully — correct anything that has changed (income, address, household members, contact info).
3

Gather income documentation if requested

If DMAS cannot confirm income electronically, you may need to provide recent pay stubs, a self-attestation form, or other documentation. See the list below.
4

Submit by the deadline

Submit online at commonhelp.virginia.gov, by mail, or in person at your local DSS office. Keep a copy of everything you submit.
5

Confirm your renewal was approved

DMAS or your Cardinal Care health plan will notify you of the renewal decision. If you receive a termination notice in error, you have the right to request a fair hearing.

Documents that may be needed for renewal

Recent pay stubs or employer letter (if income changed)
Self-employment income records or tax documents
Social Security benefit letter (if receiving SSI or SSDI)
Proof of current Virginia residency (utility bill, lease agreement)
Updated household size information

If income hasn't changed significantly, DMAS may renew coverage without requiring documents. Only provide documents when DMAS specifically requests them.

What to do if your coverage was terminated in error

If your Virginia Medicaid was terminated and you believe you still qualify, you have the right to request a fair hearing within 90 days of the termination notice. Request a hearing through DMAS at 1-800-552-8627 or online. If you request a hearing before the termination date, your coverage may continue while the hearing is pending.

Reapply within 90 days for faster processing

If your coverage lapsed and you now qualify again, reapplying within 90 days of termination may qualify you for a shorter review process. Call Cover Virginia at 833-5CALLVA to discuss your situation.

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

How to complete your renewal

When Virginia 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

Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia Medicaid or update your information through the online portal at https://www.dmas.virginia.gov.