How to Renew Hawaii Medicaid
Updated August 2026
Hawaii Med-QUEST renews eligibility annually through a redetermination process. The Department of Human Services (DHS) first attempts an ex parte review — using electronic data sources such as Social Security Administration records, state wage data, and IRS information to confirm continued eligibility without requiring member action. If ex parte verification confirms you are still eligible, DHS renews your coverage and notifies you.
Annual
Renewal frequency
KOLEA
Renew online through the KOLEA portal
1-800-316-8005
Med-QUEST member line (TTY: 711)
Med-QUEST sends renewal texts from 45421 — watch for scam texts from other numbers
Hawaii Med-QUEST sends official text messages about renewal from the number 45421. Per Med-QUEST's official notice, texts from other numbers claiming to be Med-QUEST should be treated with caution. For renewal assistance, call the official Med-QUEST line at 1-800-316-8005 (TTY: 711) or visit medquest.hawaii.gov directly.
How Med-QUEST renews your coverage
When electronic data is insufficient, DHS sends a renewal form and may contact you by mail, phone, or text (from 45421). You must respond by the deadline on the notice — typically within 30 days — or coverage will end.
How to complete your Med-QUEST renewal
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1
Check for renewal notices
DHS sends renewal notices by mail, text (from 45421), and phone. Make sure your current mailing address, phone number, and email are on file with Med-QUEST. Call 1-800-316-8005 to update contact information.
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2
Review and confirm your information
Verify your current address, income, household size, and employment. Report any changes since your last renewal — income changes, new household members, or moves to a different island all need to be reported.
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3
Submit requested documentation
If DHS cannot verify income electronically, you may be asked for pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of Hawaii residency. Submit documents through KOLEA online, by mail to your island DHS office, or in person at a Med-QUEST office.
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4
Complete renewal by the deadline
Respond to your renewal notice through the KOLEA online system, by calling 1-800-316-8005, or in person at a Med-QUEST office on your island. The notice will state the response deadline.
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5
Confirm your plan is still active
After renewal is processed, confirm your Med-QUEST plan (AlohaCare, HMSA, Kaiser, or Ohana) is still active. Plan assignments can change at renewal, so check the member information you receive and contact your plan if anything seems incorrect.
Documents that may be needed for Med-QUEST renewal
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
- Prior year tax return or self-employment income records
- Social Security or SSI award letter
- Proof of Hawaii residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement)
- Immigration documents if status has changed
- Updated household information if composition has changed
If Med-QUEST coverage ends — your right to appeal
If DHS terminates your Med-QUEST coverage and you believe you remain eligible, you have the right to a grievance and appeals process. Request a hearing within 30 days of the termination notice. If you request before the coverage end date, Hawaii may continue coverage while the appeal is pending.
A denial notice 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 on a denial. 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. Contact Med-QUEST within the applicable 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. Changes to report include a new job or income change, a move to a new address, a change in household size (new baby, someone moves in or out), and gaining or losing other health coverage.
Hawaii Medicaid saw coverage losses during the 2023–2024 post-pandemic "unwinding," when states resumed normal eligibility checks after the COVID-19 continuous enrollment pause ended. If you lost Hawaii Medicaid during that period without receiving a renewal notice, you may still be eligible — contact Med-QUEST to reapply.
Hawaii Child Wellness Incentive Program (CWIP)
Separate from renewal, Med-QUEST offers a $50 incentive to families who take their child to a well-child visit through the Hawaii Child Wellness Incentive Program (CWIP). Learn more at medquest.hawaii.gov.
Med-QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid)
- Member line: 1-800-316-8005 (TTY: 711)
- Online portal: medquest.hawaii.gov / KOLEA
- Official text notices from: 45421