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You can end Medicaid on your own. Call your state Medicaid office, use the state's online portal, or send a written request. No reason is required. Line up your next health plan first. A signed letter can also help the state close your case fast, without the usual wait.
What happened
You have Medicaid now. You want it to end. Maybe you got a job with health insurance. Maybe you moved to a new state. Maybe you just want a different plan. You can ask to stop your Medicaid at any time. You do not need a special reason.
What usually applies
Every state runs its own Medicaid program, so the exact steps can differ. Most states let you cancel by phone, by mail, or through an online account. A federal rule lets the state close your case fast when you send a clear, signed statement that you no longer want services. You can only have active Medicaid in one state at a time. If you move, tell your old state to close the case. Before you cancel, make sure your next coverage is set to start. A short gap can leave you with medical bills.
“(b) The agency receives a clear written statement signed by a beneficiary that— (1) He no longer wishes services; or”
“You can cancel your coverage by calling CoverVA at 1-855-242-8282 (TTY: 1-888-221-1590), or by notifying your local Department of Social Services .”
“You can only have active Medicaid coverage in one state at a time. If you are moving out of state, please notify your local Department of Social Services or call CoverVA at 1- 855-242-8282 to cancel your coverage.”
“You can apply and enroll in a Marketplace plan as early as 60 days before your Medicaid or CHIP coverage ends to avoid a gap in coverage.”
“You can also apply for a Marketplace plan after your Medicaid or CHIP coverage ends — you have 90 days after your Medicaid or CHIP coverage ends to enroll in a plan that will start at the beginning of the next month after you complete your enrollment.”
“A consumer is generally not eligible for this SEP if the consumer voluntarily dropped coverage”
What to do
- 1
Call or log in to your state Medicaid office
Ask how your state handles cancellation. Many states take the request by phone, online, or by mail.
- 2
Put your request in writing
Write and sign a short statement that you no longer want Medicaid. This can help your state close your case fast.
- 3
Line up your next coverage first
Confirm your new plan's start date before your Medicaid ends. This helps you avoid a gap in coverage.
- 4
Check your Marketplace options before you cancel
You can apply for a Marketplace plan up to 60 days before Medicaid ends. The 90 days after is usually for people who lose coverage, not people who cancel it. Line up your next plan first.
Call 211 or a local Marketplace navigator. Do this if you are not sure how to line up new coverage. Also call if your Medicaid does not close on the date you asked for. Legal aid can help too. This matters most if you get billed for care after your cancel date. If a future case decision feels wrong, your notice will explain how to ask for a fair hearing.
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Sources
- eCFR, 42 CFR 431.213(b) (official current CFR text)Retrieved 2026-07-16
- Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), Commonly Asked QuestionsRetrieved 2026-07-16
- HealthCare.gov, Staying covered if you lose Medicaid or CHIPRetrieved 2026-07-16
- CMS, Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) Job AidRetrieved 2026-07-16
Last reviewed 2026-07-16