How to Renew Virginia Medicaid
Updated August 2026
Virginia renews Medicaid eligibility once a year through a process called redetermination. DMAS first attempts an ex parte renewal — checking electronic data sources such as SSA records, IRS income data, and employment databases to confirm eligibility without requiring member action. If that check confirms eligibility, Virginia renews coverage automatically and notifies the member.
Annual
Renewal frequency
CommonHelp
Online renewal portal (commonhelp.virginia.gov)
90 days
Deadline to request a fair hearing
Virginia Medicaid renews annually — respond to renewal notices to avoid losing coverage
DMAS sends renewal (redetermination) notices 60 to 90 days before your coverage end date. Virginia requires a response — missing the notice or failing to provide updated information can result in termination. Members can renew online at commonhelp.virginia.gov, by calling 833-5CALLVA, or through their local DSS office.
How Virginia renews Medicaid coverage
If the ex parte check is inconclusive, Virginia sends the member a renewal packet. The member must return the completed packet with any required documentation within the allotted time. Members who do not respond will have their Medicaid terminated, though they can reapply within 90 days if they become eligible again.
Steps to complete your Virginia Medicaid renewal
DMAS sends renewal packets 60–90 days before your annual renewal date. Follow these steps once you receive one.
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1
Watch for your renewal notice
DMAS sends renewal packets 60–90 days before your annual renewal date. The notice arrives by mail at the address on file. If you moved, update your address at commonhelp.virginia.gov immediately.
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2
Review the pre-filled information
The renewal packet often includes information that DMAS already has on file. Review it carefully and correct anything that has changed — income, address, household members, contact info.
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3
Gather income documentation if requested
If DMAS cannot confirm income electronically, you may need to provide recent pay stubs, a self-attestation form, or other documentation.
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4
Submit by the deadline
Submit online at commonhelp.virginia.gov, by mail, or in person at your local DSS office. Keep a copy of everything you submit.
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5
Confirm your renewal was approved
DMAS or your Cardinal Care health plan will notify you of the renewal decision. If you receive a termination notice in error, you have the right to request a fair hearing.
Documents that may be needed for renewal
If income hasn't changed significantly, DMAS may renew coverage without requiring documents. Only provide documents when DMAS specifically requests them.
- Recent pay stubs or employer letter (if income changed)
- Self-employment income records or tax documents
- Social Security benefit letter (if receiving SSI or SSDI)
- Proof of current Virginia residency (utility bill, lease agreement)
- Updated household size information
What to do if your coverage was terminated in error
If your Virginia Medicaid was terminated and you believe you still qualify, you have the right to request a fair hearing within 90 days of the termination notice. Request a hearing through DMAS at 1-800-552-8627 or online. If you request a hearing before the termination date, your coverage may continue while the hearing is pending.
If your coverage lapsed and you now qualify again, reapplying within 90 days of termination may qualify you for a shorter review process. Call Cover Virginia at 833-5CALLVA to discuss your situation.
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, federal law prohibited states from removing people from Medicaid. When that protection ended, states conducted a mass redetermination known as the "unwinding." If you lost Virginia Medicaid during that period without receiving a renewal notice, you may still be eligible — contact Virginia Medicaid 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. 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.
Contact Virginia Medicaid or update your information through the online portal at dmas.virginia.gov.
Virginia Medicaid
- CommonHelp online portal: commonhelp.virginia.gov
- Cover Virginia: 833-5CALLVA
- DMAS fair hearing line: 1-800-552-8627
- Department of Medical Assistance Services: dmas.virginia.gov