States that have ended Medicaid coverage for people since 2023

Beginning in April 2023, states started removing people from Medicaid rolls after a federal pause on disenrollments ended. The pause had kept people on Medicaid continuously since March 2020, even if their circumstances changed. Once the pause lifted, states regained the power to remove people who no longer met income or other requirements.

All 50 states and Washington, D.C. have now disenrolled people from Medicaid. The process began in spring 2023 and continued through 2024. The number of people removed varies significantly by state — some states disenrolled hundreds of thousands, while others removed far fewer. Most disenrollments happened because people's income exceeded the limit, they moved out of state, or the state could not verify their information.

The federal government required states to complete their disenrollment reviews by the end of 2024, though some states finished earlier and others requested extensions. The pace and methods each state used differed based on their staffing, technology systems, and how they prioritized the work.

Key Takeaways

  • All 50 states and Washington, D.C. have disenrolled people from Medicaid since the federal continuous enrollment pause ended in April 2023.
  • The most common reasons for disenrollment were income exceeding the state limit, inability to verify information, or the person moving to another state.
  • States were required to complete disenrollment reviews by the end of 2024, though timelines and processes varied by state.
  • If you were disenrolled, you may be able to reapply immediately if your circumstances have changed or if the disenrollment was an error.

Why states disenrolled people and how many

States disenrolled people primarily because the continuous enrollment requirement ended. During the pandemic pause, states could not remove anyone from Medicaid even if their income rose, they moved, or they stopped responding to mail. Once that pause lifted, states had to review everyone's may be able to access and remove those who no longer may have access to.

The total number of people disenrolled across all states reached into the millions. However, the exact count varies by source and timing — different organizations counted at different points in the process. States with larger populations and higher Medicaid enrollment naturally disenrolled more people in raw numbers, but the percentage of their rolls that were removed differed.

Common reasons for disenrollment included income above the state's limit, failure to return verification forms or respond to mail, moving to a different state, or the state's inability to confirm the person still lived in that state. Some people were also disenrolled because they did not respond to renewal notices, even though they might have still may have access to.

States with the largest disenrollment numbers

States with the biggest Medicaid programs naturally removed the most people in total. Texas, California, Florida, and New York disenrolled hundreds of thousands each. However, the size of disenrollment does not always reflect the percentage of people removed — a state might disenroll 500,000 people but still retain 90 percent of its rolls, while another state might disenroll fewer people but lose a higher percentage.

The pace of disenrollment also varied. Some states completed most of their reviews in 2023, while others spread the work through 2024. States with older computer systems or smaller may be able to access staff sometimes moved more slowly. A few states requested federal extensions to finish their reviews.

What happened to people who were disenrolled

When a state disenrolled someone, that person's Medicaid coverage ended on a specific date — usually the end of the month in which the disenrollment was processed. The person received a notice in the mail explaining why they were removed, though the quality and clarity of those notices varied by state.

After disenrollment, people could reapply for Medicaid if their circumstances changed or if they believed the disenrollment was an error. The reapplication process is the same as the original application — you provide income information, household size, and other details to the state. Processing times for new applications typically range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the state.

Some people who were disenrolled became uninsured. Others shifted to employer coverage, purchased plans through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, or found other coverage. People over 65 who lost Medicaid could still access Medicare if they were may be able to access.

How to learn about your state disenrolled you

If you were on Medicaid before April 2023, you should have received a notice from your state explaining whether you were disenrolled or remained covered. That notice typically came by mail and included the reason for the action and the effective date.

If you did not receive a notice or are unsure of your status, contact your state's Medicaid office directly. You can find your state's contact information through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website or by searching "[your state] Medicaid" online. Have your name, date of birth, and any case number ready when you call.

You can also check your status online through your state's Medicaid portal if one exists. Many states allow you to log in and see your current coverage status, though not all state systems are equally user-friendly.

What to do if you were disenrolled and need coverage

If you lost Medicaid coverage and need health insurance, you have several options. First, check whether you still may have access to for Medicaid by reapplying — your income or household situation may have changed since the disenrollment, or the disenrollment may have been an error.

If you do not may have access to for Medicaid, you can purchase a plan through the Affordable Care Act marketplace at healthcare.gov. You may be able to enroll outside the normal open enrollment period if you lost Medicaid coverage, which counts as a may have access to life event. You may also may have access to for subsidies that lower your monthly premium based on your income.

If you have a job, ask your employer whether they offer health insurance. If you are over 65, you may be may be able to access for Medicare. If you are a veteran, you may have coverage through the VA. Some people also find coverage through community health centers or safety-net programs in their area.

Understanding why the pause ended

The federal government put a pause on Medicaid disenrollments in March 2020 as the pandemic began. The idea was to keep people insured during an emergency and prevent coverage gaps. The pause meant states could not remove anyone from Medicaid, even if they no longer may have access to by income or other rules.

That pause lasted over three years. When it ended in April 2023, states regained the authority to disenroll people who no longer met their state's Medicaid rules. The federal government required states to complete the disenrollment process by the end of 2024, though some states finished sooner.

The end of the pause was controversial. Some people argued it was necessary to return Medicaid to normal rules and remove people who no longer may have access to. Others worried it would leave millions uninsured, particularly if people did not understand they needed to reapply or if states made errors in their reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reapply for Medicaid if I was disenrolled?

Yes. You can reapply at any time after disenrollment. Contact your state's Medicaid office or apply online through your state's portal. If your income or household size has changed since the disenrollment, mention that in your application. Processing typically takes a few days to several weeks depending on your state.

What if I was disenrolled by mistake?

Contact your state's Medicaid office and explain why you believe the disenrollment was an error. Bring documentation — pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income if the issue was income-related, or proof of residency if the state said you moved. Your state can reinstate coverage if they determine the disenrollment was wrong.

Do I have to pay back any Medicaid benefits I received before disenrollment?

No. Medicaid benefits you received while you were enrolled are yours to keep. Disenrollment only stops future coverage; it does not claw back past medical care or payments. However, some states have estate recovery programs that may seek repayment from your estate after death for long-term care services, though this is separate from disenrollment.

If I lost my job, can I get Medicaid back quickly?

Job loss is a may have access to life event that may allow you to reapply for Medicaid outside the normal renewal period. Contact your state's Medicaid office and explain that your income has changed. Processing times vary, but many states prioritize applications from people with recent income changes.

What states are still disenrolling people?

All states completed their disenrollment reviews by the end of 2024, though some finished earlier than others. Ongoing removals now happen only when individuals no longer meet current may be able to access rules — for example, if their income rises above the limit after they are already enrolled. This is normal Medicaid administration, not part of the pandemic-related disenrollment wave.