How to renew your West Virginia Medicaid coverage

Last verified: June 2026

Renewal notices come from West Virginia Medicaid

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

Keep your contact information current in WVPATH — renewal notices are time-sensitive

West Virginia DoHS sends renewal forms and notices to the mailing address, phone number, and email on file in your WVPATH account at wvpath.wv.gov. If your contact information has changed, update it before your renewal is due. Per BMS, once you receive renewal paperwork, complete and return it as soon as possible. Call 1-877-716-1212 for assistance.

How West Virginia Medicaid renews coverage

West Virginia renews most Medicaid and WVCHIP eligibility every 12 months. BMS first attempts an ex parte review — using Social Security Administration records, state employment databases, and other electronic data sources to verify continued eligibility without requiring member action. If ex parte verification succeeds, coverage renews automatically.

When electronic data is insufficient, BMS mails a renewal packet and contacts members by phone and email. Members must return the completed renewal form with any requested documentation by the deadline on the notice. West Virginia's high enrollment rate contributed to significant operational challenges during the 2023–2024 Medicaid unwinding period; some members lost coverage despite remaining eligible when mail did not reach them at outdated addresses.

How to complete your West Virginia Medicaid renewal

1

Log in to WVPATH and check for renewal notices

Go to wvpath.wv.gov and look for any renewal action items in your account. BMS also sends paper notices and may call or email — keep all contact information current. Your renewal due date is visible in WVPATH.
2

Review and update your information

Confirm your current address, household size, income, and employment status. Report changes to any of these since your last renewal. Even small income changes can affect eligibility or the benefit category you qualify under.
3

Provide documents if BMS requests them

If income cannot be verified electronically, BMS may request pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security letters, or proof of residency. Upload documents through WVPATH or mail them to your local DoHS field office.
4

Submit renewal by the stated deadline

Complete renewal online through WVPATH, by calling 1-877-716-1212, or in person at a DoHS field office. Return paperwork as soon as possible — don't wait until the last day, as processing takes time.
5

Confirm coverage and plan

After processing, check WVPATH to confirm your coverage is active and your Mountain Health Promise plan information is current. If coverage was terminated in error, request a fair hearing immediately.

Documents that may be needed for WV Medicaid renewal

Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
Prior year tax return or self-employment income records
Social Security or SSI award letter
Proof of West Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, official mail)
Immigration documents if status has changed
Household composition update if members have joined or left the household

If West Virginia Medicaid coverage ends

If BMS terminates your coverage and you believe you remain eligible, request a fair hearing within 30 days of the termination notice. Requesting a hearing before the coverage end date may keep coverage active while the appeal is pending. Call 1-877-716-1212 or visit a DoHS field office for hearing request assistance.

If you were disenrolled during the 2023–2024 unwinding — you may be able to reapply

West Virginia had significant coverage losses during the post-pandemic Medicaid unwinding that began in April 2023. If you or a family member lost West Virginia Medicaid coverage during 2023 or 2024 and believe you are still eligible, you can apply again at any time through WVPATH. There is no waiting period to reapply after a lapse.

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

How to complete your renewal

When West 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

West 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 West 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 West 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 West Virginia Medicaid or update your information through the online portal at https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms.