Renew Medicaid Coverage

Steps to Keep Your Medicaid Coverage Active

Don’t risk losing your health care coverage. We’re here to help you renew your Medicaid and keep the care you rely on.

Most of our plans require you to have active Medicaid to keep your benefits and services. You may also use Medicaid for additional services on top of your Medicare plan.

Renewing your Medicaid on time helps you keep your coverage, continue seeing your doctor and avoid interruptions to your care or services.

We’re here to make this process as smooth as possible. Below is a step-by-step guide on what to expect, what to look out for, and how Elderplan/HomeFirst can help.

Step 1: Understand Medicaid Renewal Dates 

Medicaid must be renewed every year, or every 12 months.  

Two important dates to know 

1. Medicaid Packet due date: The date your completed renewal paperwork must be returned to New York State (this comes before your renewal date).  
2. Renewal (recertification) date: The date your Medicaid coverage ends if you don’t renew 

If you do not renew your Medicaid coverage on time, your Medicaid benefits may end, which could also affect your eligibility for your current Elderplan/HomeFirst plan. This may lead to interruptions in your health care services, including essential services like home care and doctor visits. 

Step 2: Watch for Medicaid Renewal Communications 

As your renewal date gets closer, you’ll start receiving important information about your Medicaid renewal. These reminders are meant to help you stay on track and avoid missing your deadline—and we’ll be here to guide you along the way. 

You will receive a Reminder from Elderplan/HomeFirst 

• Before or around the same time as the Medicaid Renewal packet, we will send you a Medicaid renewal reminder to help you get started.  

The Medicaid renewal reminder:  

• Will explain the process
• Outline the Recertification end date,
• Identify the forthcoming renewal-related mail you’ll receive and when you’ll receive it, and  provide
• A checklist of documents to start gathering. 

From New York State 

About 1 to 3 months before your renewal date, you’ll receive a Medicaid renewal packet by mail. The packet comes from: 

• NYC Human Resources Administration (NYC HRA), if you live in New York City (Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Bronx or Staten Island), or 
• Your Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) if you live outside of New York City  

The renewal packet will include: 

• The renewal application with your packet due date 
• A list of requested documents based on your changes 

Step 3: Complete and Return Your Renewal 

When you receive the renewal reminders and packet communications, try to review them as soon as you can. Taking early action can help you avoid delays or gaps in your coverage—and if you need help, we’re here to assist you. 

What to do 

1. Open letters as soon as they arrive. 
2. Find your renewal date and your packet deadline. They are listed in our Medicaid renewal reminder and/or the Medicaid renewal packet. 
3. Complete the renewal application. Answer every question and sign the application. Unsigned applications cannot be processed. 
4. Gather the documents listed in your packet. See the list of required documents for common items. Send copies, not originals. 
5. Return your completed packet before the deadline.  

Three ways to renew 

Choose the option that works best for you: 

1. Renew by mail 

Mail your completed packet to NYC HRA or your LDSS using the address in your packet.

2. Renew with help from Elderplan/HomeFirst by phone  

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Depending on your plan, you may have access to a dedicated Medicaid Coordinator who can: 

• Explain the renewal process from start to finish 
• Review your document requirements 
• Accept your documents by mail or fax 
• Submit your renewal packet on your behalf when permitted by your plan 
• Check on the status of your renewal 

3. Renew with help from Elderplan/HomeFirst in our community offices!  

You can come to any of our community offices on designated days to get help renewing your Medicaid or to drop off renewal documents as part of your application.  

We also partner with SPS Community Solutions, a trusted organization that can help you with Medicaid renewals and apply for other public benefits programs at the same time.

Step 4: Successful Medicaid Renewal  

• Once you successfully renew, you’ll receive a confirmation letter from NYC HRA or LDSS.