Alaska launches online renewals for SNAP, Medicaid and four other programs

The Alaska Department of Health launched an online renewal form Friday, letting Alaskans renew six public assistance programs without mailing paperwork.

The form covers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Alaska Temporary Assistance, Adult Public Assistance, Medicaid, Long Term Care and Senior Benefits. Renewal forms will still arrive by mail, but recipients can now fill them out in the Alaska Connect portal and upload supporting documents, such as pay stubs and rent or utility bills, from a phone or desktop computer. Since January 2025, they have been able to return the form online, by email, fax or in person.

The department asked applicants to complete only one version, online or paper, not both. The online option is faster, the department said.

"Modernizing our systems is about making it easier for Alaskans to get the help they need while giving our staff better tools to process cases efficiently," said Deb Etheridge, director of the Division of Public Assistance. "We remain on track with our modernization plan and will continue improving processes and provide more timely, reliable service."

The department reported 243,485 average monthly Medicaid enrollees in state fiscal year 2025. Roughly 64,600 Alaska residents received SNAP benefits that year.

The portal's first phase launched in July 2024. In May, the department added a mobile-friendly application for eight programs, including SNAP and several Medicaid categories. The department said the renewal form builds on earlier online options for applying for benefits, reporting changes and submitting SNAP interim reports.

The state is also under federal pressure on SNAP accuracy. Alaska has had the nation's highest SNAP payment error rate three years running, and a 2025 federal law will require states with high error rates to pay part of their benefit costs as soon as October 2027, Alaska News reported in June.

The portal sends submission confirmations by email or text. Paper forms and other existing service options remain available for Alaskans who need or prefer them.