How to Renew Texas Medicaid Online (and What to Do If You Miss the Deadline)
A simple, step-by-step guide to renewing your Texas Medicaid coverage, keeping your benefits active, and getting help if your renewal was already due.
What to know first
Texas Medicaid must be renewed once a year. HHSC mails you a notice about 60 days before your coverage ends. The fastest way to renew is online at YourTexasBenefits.com . If you miss the deadline, you can reapply the same day and usually restart coverage without a long gap.
Your renewal & redetermination timeline
Texas HHSC reviews (redetermines) your eligibility once every 12 months. Here are the key dates so you know what to expect and when to act.
- ~60 days before
HHSC mails your renewal notice
The letter names your due date and lists anything the state still needs. It goes to the address on file, so update your address in YourTexasBenefits.com the moment it changes.
- ~45 days before
Your renewal opens online
Log in to YourTexasBenefits.com and look for the renewal task on your case. You can complete it as soon as it appears — there is no benefit to waiting.
- By your due date
Submit the renewal and any documents
Send proof of income, residency, and household changes together. A renewal submitted without the requested documents is treated as incomplete.
- 0–30 days after
HHSC processes the redetermination
Simple electronic renewals can finish the same day. If documents are being reviewed, allow up to 30 days and keep checking your online message center.
- Last day of the month
Coverage ends if the renewal is not completed
Medicaid stops at the end of your certification month. Prescriptions and appointments after that date are not covered until you are reinstated.
- Within 90 days after
Reconsideration and appeal window
If your case closed for a missed renewal, Texas can often reopen it without a brand-new application when you return the paperwork quickly. You also have 90 days from the notice date to request a fair hearing.
- Every 12 months
The cycle repeats
Put your renewal month in your phone calendar with a reminder 60 days ahead so the next redetermination never catches you by surprise.
How to avoid a gap in coverage
- Update your address, phone number, and email in YourTexasBenefits.com — most lost coverage starts with a notice that never arrived.
- Turn on electronic notices and check the online message center monthly, not just when you expect mail.
- Renew as soon as the task appears instead of waiting for the due date, so there is time to fix problems.
- Upload every requested document the same day and keep the confirmation number or screenshot.
- Report income, job, or household changes within 10 days so your case is not closed for unreported changes.
- If coverage ends, reapply the same day — approval in the same month often restores benefits with no real gap.
- Ask a free navigator or call 2-1-1 if you are unsure what the notice is asking for.
6 steps to renew Texas Medicaid
Most renewals take 10–20 minutes online. If your information has not changed, you may be able to renew in even less time.
- 1
Watch for your renewal notice
HHSC mails a renewal notice about 60 days before your coverage ends. You can also log in to YourTexasBenefits.com to check if your renewal is open. If your address changed, update it immediately so you don't miss the notice.
- 2
Log in to YourTexasBenefits.com
Use your existing username and password. If you forgot them, use the account recovery options. If you never created an online account, you can still create one using your case number from the notice.
- 3
Start the renewal
Look for a 'Renew My Benefits' or 'Renew Medicaid' link in your case summary. Answer each question about household members, income, address, pregnancy, disability, and other programs.
- 4
Upload or confirm documents
If HHSC asks for proof of income, residency, or ID, upload clear photos or PDFs. Keep the original documents in case you need them later. If nothing changed, the system may let you skip uploads.
- 5
Review and submit
Double-check names, dates, and household size. Submit your renewal and write down the confirmation number. If you cannot finish online, you can call 2-1-1 or visit a local benefits office.
- 6
Follow up
Check your account or mailbox for an approval notice. If your coverage is ending because of missing information, you have a short window to submit it. Act fast to avoid a gap.
What to do if you missed your Medicaid renewal deadline
Missing a renewal is stressful, but it is not the end of your coverage. Texas allows you to reapply right away. The faster you act, the shorter the gap.
Reapply the same day coverage ends
Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and submit a new application. You can also call 2-1-1 or visit a local HHSC office. There is no waiting period if you missed your renewal.
Gather proof of your situation
Collect pay stubs, ID, proof of address, and any medical or disability records. If you had a change in income or household, the new application needs to show it.
Request a fair hearing if you disagree
If coverage ended and you believe the decision was wrong, you can appeal within 90 days of the action. Call 2-1-1 or the number on your termination notice to ask for a fair hearing.
Ask for navigator help
Our bilingual community navigators help Texans reapply, find documents, and understand notices. If you are in one of our counties, request help below and we'll call you back.
You usually have 90 days to appeal a coverage termination
If you received a notice saying your Medicaid ended and you disagree, you can request a fair hearing. Call the number on your notice or dial 2-1-1. Keep copies of your notices and any documents you submit.
Documents to gather for renewal
- Photo ID for the adult on the case
- Social Security numbers for everyone applying
- Proof of Texas address (utility bill, lease, or mail)
- Last 30 days of pay stubs or income proof
- Proof of pregnancy or disability, if applicable
- Bank statements or asset proof, if asked for MEPD
Frequently asked questions about Texas Medicaid renewal
How do I renew Texas Medicaid online?+
Log in to YourTexasBenefits.com, open your case details, click the renewal link, confirm your household and income, upload any requested documents, and submit. Keep a screenshot or confirmation number for your records.
When do I need to renew my Texas Medicaid?+
Texas Medicaid renewals are due once every 12 months for most people. HHSC will mail a renewal notice to your address on file. You should also check YourTexasBenefits.com because the notice can appear there before the letter arrives.
What documents do I need to renew Medicaid in Texas?+
Usually proof of current income, proof of Texas residency, and ID for everyone on the case. If anything has not changed, you may be able to renew with just a few clicks. If the state asks for documents, upload them as soon as possible.
What happens if I miss my Medicaid renewal deadline in Texas?+
If you miss your renewal, your Medicaid coverage can end. In Texas, Medicaid redetermination is required, and the state is required to notify you. You can still reapply the same day coverage ends, and if you are still eligible, your benefits can restart without a long gap.
Can I reapply for Texas Medicaid after missing the deadline?+
Yes. You can reapply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, by phone at 2-1-1, or in person at a local HHSC benefits office. Your coverage can start again the same month if you reapply and qualify within the same benefit period.
How long does Texas Medicaid renewal take?+
A simple online renewal can be processed immediately. If documents are required, it usually takes 30 days or less. Submit everything quickly to avoid a gap in coverage.
Does Texas Medicaid automatically renew every year?+
Not automatically. Texas requires a yearly renewal process, but many people can complete a quick electronic renewal if their information has not changed much. The state sends a notice before it is due.
Can Texas Health Help renew my Medicaid for me?+
No. Only HHSC can approve or renew your Medicaid. We are a community nonprofit that can walk you through the steps, help you find documents, and answer questions so you don't miss your deadline.
More Medicaid & benefits guides
Texas Medicaid Hub
Every Texas Medicaid program, income limits, and application steps in one place.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Texas
A checklist and six-step guide for first-time Medicaid applicants.
Medicaid Eligibility & Income Limits
Who qualifies for Texas Medicaid and how income limits work by household size.
Pregnancy Medicaid Guide
Income limits, coverage, and application steps for pregnant Texans.
Medicaid Transportation (NEMT)
How to book free rides to medical appointments with Texas Medicaid.
Health Navigator Texas
Free help from a community navigator who can walk you through renewal or reapplying.
Need help renewing your Medicaid?
Our bilingual navigators can help you log in, find your documents, and reapply if you missed your deadline. Free and confidential.
Disclaimer: Texas Health Help is a community nonprofit. We do not approve or deny Medicaid benefits. Only the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) can make eligibility decisions. If your situation is urgent, call 2-1-1 or visit a local HHSC benefits office.