How to Renew District of Columbia Medicaid
Updated August 2026
DC Medicaid coverage requires annual renewal (redetermination). DHCF and DHS work together to confirm eligibility — first by trying to verify income and household data through administrative sources. When that succeeds, coverage renews automatically without requiring action from the member.
Annual
Renewal frequency
(202) 727-5355
DHCF renewal phone line
215% FPL
Adult income eligibility threshold
Federal changes in 2026 may affect DC Medicaid eligibility
H.R. 1 (signed July 4, 2025) introduced new federal Medicaid requirements being implemented in DC. If DHCF sends a renewal packet, eligibility notice, or request for documentation, respond by the stated deadline. Coverage loss may result from non-response. Call (202) 727-5355 (TTY: 711) with questions.
How DC Medicaid renewal works
DC's high income threshold (215% FPL for adults) and urban infrastructure mean that a larger proportion of DC members successfully renew through the ex parte process than in states with lower thresholds or weaker data-matching. DC experienced relatively lower rates of coverage loss during the post-pandemic unwinding period in 2023-2024 compared to states with more restrictive eligibility structures.
Steps to complete your DC Medicaid renewal
Follow these steps to keep your coverage active.
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1
Keep your address and contact information current
Contact your IMA Service Center or call (202) 727-5355 to update your mailing address and phone number. DHCF sends renewal packets by mail.
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2
Watch for renewal packets
DHCF sends renewal packets before your coverage end date when a renewal form is needed. Review any mail from DHCF or DHS promptly.
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3
Complete and return the renewal form
Return by mail or in person at your nearest IMA Service Center. Call (202) 727-5355 for phone assistance. Respond before the deadline in the notice.
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4
Appeal if you disagree with the result
If coverage is terminated at renewal and you believe the decision is wrong, you have the right to a fair hearing. DHCF must provide written notice with the reason for termination. For SSI-linked decisions, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
Reporting changes in income or household size
DC Medicaid requires members to report changes in income, household size, or other circumstances that could affect eligibility. Because DC's income thresholds are high (215% FPL for adults), income increases that would push you off Medicaid in a lower-threshold state may still leave you eligible in DC.
If your income increases above DC's threshold, you may qualify for a subsidized health plan through the federal marketplace at healthcare.gov. DC residents between 100% and 400%+ FPL may qualify for premium tax credits. DC also operates its own supplemental subsidies for marketplace plans in some income ranges — check dchealthlink.com for DC-specific marketplace information.
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.
Contact DC 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 DC Medicaid or update your information at dhcf.dc.gov/service/medicaid.
DC Medicaid
- DHCF renewal phone line: (202) 727-5355 (TTY: 711)
- DHCF Medicaid page: dhcf.dc.gov/service/medicaid
- DC Health Link (marketplace alternative): dchealthlink.com