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A federal rule usually requires your state to mail a notice at least 10 days before ending existing Medicaid coverage, with limited exceptions. If you request a fair hearing before the effective date on that notice, your coverage can often continue while you wait for a decision. Your notice shows your own dates and reason.
What happened
You had Medicaid coverage, and now you got a letter saying it is ending. This is different from an application being turned down. It is a case that was open and is now closing. Federal rules set minimum steps every state must follow before this kind of closure, including how much warning you get and what the letter must say.
What usually applies
In most cases, the state must mail you a notice. This must happen at least 10 days before your coverage ends. A short list of exceptions lets the state send a shorter notice. One example is a written note from you that you no longer want coverage. Another is mail that came back undeliverable. You can ask for a fair hearing before your end date. If you do, the state usually must keep your services going. It must wait until a decision comes out. This does not apply if the only issue is a change in federal or state law. Your own notice lists your exact date, your reason, and your deadline to act. Read it closely first.
“The State or local agency must send a notice at least 10 days before the date of action, except as permitted under §§ 431.213 and 431.214.”
“The agency may send a notice not later than the date of action if— (a) The agency has factual information confirming the death of a beneficiary; (b) The agency receives a clear written statement signed by a beneficiary that— (1) He no longer wishes services;”
“If the agency sends the 10-day or 5-day notice as required under § 431.211 or § 431.214 of this subpart, and the beneficiary requests a hearing before the date of action, the agency may not terminate or reduce services until a decision is rendered after the hearing unless— (1) It is determined at the hearing that the sole issue is one of Federal or State law or policy;”
What to do
- 1
Find the effective date on your notice
This is the date your coverage is set to end. Federal rules generally require the state to have mailed this notice at least 10 days before that date.
- 2
Check if an exception applies to your case
A shorter notice is allowed in a few situations. These include a death, a written request to stop coverage, or mail returned with no forwarding address. Your letter should say if one of these applies.
- 3
Request a fair hearing before the effective date
Asking before the date your coverage ends can keep your Medicaid active while the hearing is pending, in most cases. The letter explains how to ask.
- 4
Call your state Medicaid agency about the reason
Use the phone number on the notice to ask what specific reason led to the closure. Ask what proof, if any, could change it.
A gap in Medicaid can affect care you need right away. Acting fast matters. Contact legal aid or your local 211 line today if any of this applies to you. Your end date is close. You already asked for a hearing and coverage still stopped. Or the letter feels confusing. A navigator can help you check whether an exception was applied the right way.
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Related words
Sources
- eCFR, 42 CFR 431.211 (official current CFR text)Retrieved 2026-07-16
- eCFR, 42 CFR 431.213 (official current CFR text)Retrieved 2026-07-16
- eCFR, 42 CFR 431.230 (official current CFR text)Retrieved 2026-07-16
Last reviewed 2026-07-16