How to Renew Alaska Medicaid
Updated August 2026
Alaska Medicaid is typically issued for 12-month periods. The Division of Public Assistance (DPA) sends a renewal form approximately 45 days before coverage ends when a renewal is needed. For some populations, DPA completes ex parte renewals using administrative data — when this succeeds, the member receives a notice of renewal without needing to submit paperwork.
12 months
Renewal frequency
Alaska Connect portal
Online renewal option
45 days
Renewal notice sent before coverage ends
Federal changes in 2026 may affect your eligibility
H.R. 1 (signed July 4, 2025) introduced new federal Medicaid eligibility requirements being implemented in Alaska. If Alaska DPA sends a renewal packet, eligibility notice, or request for information, respond within the deadline specified. Coverage loss may result from non-response. Call 800-478-7778 with questions.
How Alaska Medicaid renewal works
When DPA cannot confirm eligibility through administrative data, it sends a renewal packet. Alaska's geography creates real barriers here: mail delivery is unreliable or extremely delayed in some remote communities, and internet access is limited in many areas. DPA has acknowledged these challenges, and phone-based renewal is an important option for members who cannot easily access mail or online systems.
How to renew
DPA offers a few ways to complete your renewal, depending on how you were notified.
- Online via the Alaska Connect portal at alaskaconnect.ilinx.com
- By phone — call 800-478-7778
- By mail — complete and return your paper renewal form to DPA
Special challenges for remote and rural Alaska residents
Alaska's renewal process faces access barriers that most states do not. Postal service to some bush communities operates only a few times per week. Internet access is unavailable or cost-prohibitive in many villages. DPA's 800-478-7778 phone line is the most reliable channel for many rural Alaskans renewing coverage.
Alaska experienced higher-than-average difficulty during the post-pandemic unwinding period in 2023-2024 partly because of these remote population challenges. If your coverage was terminated during or after the unwinding period and you believe you still qualify, reapply at any time — there is no waiting period after a previous termination.
Changes to report during the year
Federal rules require Medicaid enrollees to report changes that may affect eligibility within a specified period. Report the following through DPA:
- New job or change in income
- Move to a new address
- Change in household size — new baby, someone moves in or out
- Gaining or losing other health coverage
How to complete your renewal
When Alaska Medicaid sends a renewal notice, here's what to do.
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1
Keep your contact information current with DPA
Update your mailing address and phone number with DPA at 800-478-7778 whenever they change. Rural Alaskans should also confirm that DPA has the correct mailing address for their community — P.O. Box vs. physical address matters in some areas.
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2
Watch for a renewal packet about 45 days before coverage ends
DPA sends renewal forms for cases where ex parte renewal was not possible. The packet includes a deadline for response.
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3
Complete and return the renewal online or by phone
Renew through the Alaska Connect portal at alaskaconnect.ilinx.com or call 800-478-7778. If you received a paper form, complete it and return it to DPA.
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4
Provide any requested documentation
If income, household size, or other circumstances have changed, update them and provide documentation. Income changes can affect your eligibility category.
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 Alaska 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.
Contact Alaska Medicaid or update your information through the online portal to keep your case current.
Alaska Medicaid
- Alaska DPA renewal phone line: 800-478-7778
- Alaska Connect portal: alaskaconnect.ilinx.com
- Alaska DPA Medicaid page: health.alaska.gov/dpa/Pages/medicaid/default.aspx