How to Renew Massachusetts Medicaid
Updated August 2026
MassHealth conducts annual eligibility redeterminations. For most members, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) first attempts an ex parte renewal — pulling electronic data from SSA, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR), and wage records to verify eligibility without requiring action from the member. If ex parte verification succeeds, MassHealth renews automatically and mails a notice.
Annual
Renewal frequency
mahix.org
Online renewal portal (MA Login)
30 days
Deadline to return renewal packet
MassHealth renewal notices are sent by mail — keep your address updated
MassHealth sends annual renewal (redetermination) packets by mail. Members who have moved or have an outdated address on file may miss their renewal packet and lose coverage. Update your address immediately at mahix.org/individual/ or by calling MassHealth at (800) 841-2900. Electronic notice options are available through the MA Login portal.
How MassHealth renews your coverage
When ex parte cannot confirm eligibility, MassHealth sends a renewal packet by mail. Members must return the completed packet within 30 days. Unreturned packets result in termination, though members can reapply immediately if they remain eligible.
Steps to complete your MassHealth renewal
When your renewal comes up, here's the process:
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1
Watch for your renewal packet in the mail
MassHealth mails renewal packets approximately 60 days before your eligibility end date. The packet arrives at the address on file. If you moved, update your address at mahix.org/individual/ or call (800) 841-2900 immediately.
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2
Review the pre-filled information
MassHealth uses existing data to pre-fill the renewal form. Review it carefully — confirm or correct your address, income, household members, and insurance information.
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3
Gather documentation if income has changed
If your income has changed since your last application, you may need to provide pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or a self-attestation form. The renewal notice will specify what is needed.
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4
Submit your renewal
Return the completed packet by mail using the return envelope provided, by fax, or submit online at mahix.org/individual/ through your MA Login account. MassHealth Enrollment Centers accept in-person submissions.
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5
Confirm your approval
MassHealth will mail a notice of its renewal decision. Keep the approval notice — it confirms your coverage type and effective period.
Documents that may be needed for MassHealth renewal
- Recent pay stubs (one or two months)
- Employer letter or self-employment income records
- Federal or state tax return (if self-employed)
- Social Security, SSI, or SSDI award letter
- Medicare card (if enrolled in Medicare)
- Proof of Massachusetts residency (utility bill, lease agreement, mail from a government agency)
- Updated household size and income information
If your MassHealth coverage was terminated
If MassHealth terminates coverage and you disagree with the decision, you have the right to request a Board of Hearings appeal within 30 days of the notice. If you request a hearing before the coverage end date, MassHealth must continue your coverage at the previous level while the appeal is pending — this is called "aid pending hearing."
To request a hearing, call the MassHealth Board of Hearings at (617) 847-1200 or 1-800-685-9312. Free legal aid may be available through Greater Boston Legal Services (617-603-1700) or your regional legal aid program if you need help with the appeal process.
Free Certified Application Counselors (CACs) are trained to help members complete MassHealth renewals. Call MassHealth at (800) 841-2900 to be connected with a counselor in your area.
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 Massachusetts Medicaid during that period without receiving a renewal notice, you may still be eligible. Contact MassHealth to reapply.
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.
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. Report a new job or income change, a move to a new address, a change in household size (new baby, someone moves in or out), or gaining or losing other health coverage. Contact MassHealth or update your information through the online portal at mass.gov/masshealth.
MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid)
- MassHealth Customer Service: (800) 841-2900
- MassHealth Board of Hearings: (617) 847-1200 / 1-800-685-9312
- Online renewal portal (MA Login): mahix.org/individual/
- MassHealth main site: mass.gov/masshealth