What to Do if You Receive a Medicaid Redetermination Letter

Medicaid Redetermination

I. Why You Got a Letter About Medicaid

If you got a letter about your Medicaid, you might be unsure what to do. You’re not alone. Many people in Maryland and Virginia are getting these letters right now.

This letter is part of a process called redetermination. The state is checking to see if you still qualify for Medicaid. This happens every year, but it was paused during COVID-19. Now, states are starting it again.

This guide explains what the letter means, what steps to take, and how to keep your health insurance. If you don’t qualify anymore, we’ll help you understand your next options.

Need help? Call EIMA Health at (972) 728-0386 or visit eimahealth.com/contact-us. Help is always free.

Key Takeaways

  1. Medicaid Redetermination Is a Routine Process
    States like Maryland and Virginia are reviewing Medicaid eligibility again after a pause during the COVID-19 emergency. This check is normal and happens every year.
  2. Receiving a Letter Doesn’t Mean You’re Losing Coverage
    The letter means the state needs updated information to confirm you still qualify. You must respond by the deadline listed in the notice.
  3. Act Quickly to Keep Your Coverage
    Read the letter carefully, gather the required documents (like pay stubs and ID), and submit them through your state’s portal—MyMDThink (Maryland) or CommonHelp (Virginia).
  4. Missing the Deadline Can Lead to Coverage Loss
    If you don’t respond, your Medicaid may be stopped. Some states allow up to 90 days to fix this, and you can also appeal if you believe a mistake was made.
  5. Life Changes May Affect Eligibility
    Increases in income, moving, or changes in your household can affect whether you still qualify for Medicaid.
  6. Affordable Coverage Is Still Available if You No Longer Qualify
    You may be eligible for low-cost Marketplace plans, CHIP for children, or short-term plans. Losing Medicaid gives you a 60-day window to enroll in a new plan.
  7. EIMA Health Offers Free, Personalized Help
    EIMA Health helps with Medicaid renewals, document submission, Marketplace enrollment, and ongoing support—all at no cost to you.
  8. Stay Informed to Avoid Gaps in Coverage
    Sign up for alerts, report life changes quickly, keep important documents on hand, and check in with a health advisor each year.
  9. You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone
    Call EIMA Health at (972) 728-0386 or visit eimahealth.com/contact-us for one-on-one support.

II. What Is Medicaid Redetermination?

Every year, states check if people still qualify for Medicaid. They look at things like your income, where you live, and your family size. This yearly check is called redetermination or renewal.

During the pandemic, this process was paused so people wouldn’t lose coverage. Now that it’s starting again, you may need to send updated information.

If you’re in:

  • Maryland: Use the Maryland Health Connection.
  • Virginia: Use CommonHelp.

III. Why You Got the Letter

Getting a redetermination letter doesn’t mean you’re being dropped. It usually means one of these things:

  • It’s your time for your yearly check.
  • The state couldn’t verify your income.
  • You moved or had other household changes.

You might get the letter in the mail, by email, or by text. Open it right away and read it carefully so you don’t miss the deadline.


IV. What the Letter Will Say

Your letter will likely tell you:

  • If your coverage is ending or needs to be renewed.
  • What documents you need to send.
  • Where and how to send them (online, by mail, or in person).
  • Your deadline (often 30 days).

Here’s an example of what it might say:

“Please send income proof by [Date] to continue your Medicaid coverage. Upload to MyMDThink or CommonHelp.”

If you don’t understand something, don’t guess—ask for help.


V. What To Do: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Read the Letter

Look for words like “action needed” or “coverage may end.” Highlight your deadline and what you need to send.


Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You may need to provide:

  • Pay stubs or proof of income.
  • A photo ID.
  • A lease, utility bill, or other proof of address.
  • A recent tax return, if you have one.

Make copies or take photos of everything. Keep them for your records.


Step 3: Send Everything Before the Deadline

Submit your documents online:

  • Maryland: MyMDThink
  • Virginia: CommonHelp

If you can’t upload online, you can mail or drop off your documents. If you mail them, use tracking or get a receipt if you deliver them in person.


Step 4: Get Help If You’re Stuck

If something doesn’t make sense, you can call your state’s Medicaid office—or call EIMA Health at (972) 728-0386. We’ll help you figure it out.


VI. What If You Miss the Deadline?

If you miss your deadline:

  • Your Medicaid may stop.
  • You’ll get a letter saying your coverage ended.
  • You may need to reapply or file an appeal.

But you may still have time. Some states give you up to 90 days to send your documents and ask for your coverage back.

If you believe your Medicaid was stopped by mistake, you can file an appeal. Your letter will explain how to do that.


VII. What Might Affect Your Eligibility

Even if you send in everything on time, changes in your life might affect your Medicaid.

You might lose coverage if:

  • You’re earning more money.
  • Someone moved into or out of your household.
  • You moved to a new state.
  • Your immigration status changed.

About Income Limits:

Each state has different rules.

  • Maryland: The limits depend on your family size and age group.
  • Virginia: Adults may qualify under expanded rules, but income limits still apply.

Example:
If you now make $22,000 a year and you’re single, you might no longer qualify. But you could still get a low-cost plan through the ACA Marketplace.


VIII. If You No Longer Qualify for Medicaid

If you’re no longer eligible, don’t worry. There are still good, affordable options.

You may qualify for:

  • Marketplace insurance plans (many cost under $10/month).
  • CHIP for your children.
  • Short-term plans for temporary coverage.
  • Dental and vision plans if needed.

You have 60 days from the day you lose Medicaid to sign up for a new plan through the ACA Marketplace.


EIMA Health Can Help You:

  • Understand your options.
  • Apply for a new plan.
  • Answer questions about coverage, doctors, and costs.

We’ll guide you every step of the way—and we stay in touch even after you enroll.


IX. How EIMA Health Helps You

At EIMA Health, we believe health coverage should be simple and supportive. We’re not a call center. We’re a local team that takes time to help real people.

We serve Maryland, Virginia, Texas, and more.

We help:

  • Individuals and families.
  • Seniors and caregivers.
  • People new to the healthcare system.
  • People who speak English or Spanish.

We’re known for:

  • Helping with Medicaid renewals.
  • Explaining confusing letters.
  • Matching people with affordable Marketplace plans.
  • Offering help year-round.

📞 Call (972) 728-0386
💻 Visit eimahealth.com/contact-us


X. Tips To Stay Covered in the Future

To keep your health insurance without gaps:

  • Sign up for reminders by email or text.
  • Report changes (job, income, family) right away.
  • Save your documents in one folder or on your phone.
  • Call EIMA Health once a year to check in—even if nothing’s changed.

XI. Conclusion

Getting a Medicaid redetermination letter doesn’t mean you’re losing your coverage—it means the state needs to check your info. If you respond on time and send the right documents, your coverage can continue.

And if you don’t qualify anymore, you still have other affordable options.

EIMA Health is here to help you every step of the way. We explain the letter, help you gather documents, and guide you toward the best coverage for your life.

Need help?
📞 Call (972) 728-0386
💻 Visit eimahealth.com/contact-us

Let’s make sure you and your family stay protected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Medicaid redetermination?

edicaid redetermination is when the state checks to see if you still qualify for Medicaid. This usually happens every year. You may need to share new documents like pay stubs or proof of where you live.

Why did I get a Medicaid renewal letter?

You got the letter because it’s time to update your information. It doesn’t mean you’re losing coverage—it just means the state needs more details to keep your Medicaid active.

What should I do when I get the letter?

Read it carefully. Look for the deadline and the documents you need to send. Then submit those documents as soon as possible through your state’s Medicaid website.

  • Maryland: Use MyMDThink
  • Virginia: Use CommonHelp

What happens if I don’t respond in time?

If you miss the deadline, your Medicaid coverage may stop. Some states give you up to 90 days to send your documents and ask to get your coverage back. You may also be able to file an appeal.

What documents do I need to send?

It depends, but common documents include:

  • Your most recent tax return
  • Recent pay stubs
  • A photo ID
  • Proof of where you live (like a lease or utility bill)

I don’t qualify for Medicaid anymore. What can I do?

You may still be able to get a low-cost plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Many people pay less than $10 a month. You might also qualify for CHIP if you have children, or get a short-term health plan.

How long do I have to apply for a new plan if I lose Medicaid?

You have 60 days from the day your Medicaid ends to apply for a new plan through the Marketplace. This is called a Special Enrollment Period.

Can EIMA Health help me with this process?

Yes! EIMA Health offers free help with:

  • Understanding your Medicaid letter
  • Sending documents on time
  • Applying for a new health plan
  • Getting support after you enroll

Call (972) 728-0386 or visit eimahealth.com/contact-us to get started.

What if I don’t speak English well or need extra help?

EIMA Health offers support in English and Spanish and works with people from many backgrounds. We’ll take time to explain things clearly and help you feel confident.

How can I avoid losing coverage in the future?

  • Sign up for alerts through your Medicaid account.
  • Report life changes (like income or address) right away.
  • Keep your documents in one place.
  • Contact EIMA Health for a yearly check-in—even if nothing has changed.

This article has been a collaboration between EIMA Health and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Created on Sep 15, 2025, it combines AI-generated draft material with EIMA Health’s expert revision and oversight, ensuring accuracy and relevance while addressing any AI limitations.

author avatar
Emily Ima Founder
Hi, I’m Emily Ima, founder of EIMA Health and a proud Dallas resident. I started this agency with one mission: to make health insurance simple, affordable, and accessible, especially for families and individuals who feel overlooked or overwhelmed by the system. Living with Sickle Cell, I understand firsthand how frustrating and confusing healthcare can be. That’s why I take a personal, compassionate approach with every client whether it’s walking you through your ACA Marketplace options, helping you transition from Medicaid, or finding the best Medicare plan for your needs. You’re never just a number here. I take the time to listen, explain, and advocate for what’s best for you and your family. I serve clients across the country but have a special place in my heart for the Dallas community. When I’m not working, you can usually find me cheering on my daughter Emma at volleyball games, walking the trails with my family and our Goldendoodle Teddy, or exploring new recipes and restaurants around town, from southern food and Italian to Nigerian dishes and some good ole’ Texas BBQ. I’m a proud alumna of both Midwestern State University and the University of Texas at Dallas Go Mustangs and Comets! If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares and will take the time to help you understand your health insurance options, you’re in the right place. Let’s get you covered with peace of mind.
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