Lancaster, PA - Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley joined representatives from Community Action Partnership today to highlight how the Shapiro Administration and community service centers are collaborating to support Pennsylvanians through federal changes to Medicaid and CHIP renewal requirements so they can complete their renewals. They also detailed the steps that people can take right now to protect their health and stay covered.
“Everyone deserves the dignity and peace of mind of having access to affordable, high-quality health care and knowing they can go to the doctor when they need it,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “DHS’ goal throughout the renewal process is to make sure that all Pennsylvanians stay covered, so they have that peace of mind. The best way to do that is to update your contact information and be ready for when it’s your turn to renew so when your packet comes, you can act quickly and stay covered.”
The federal public health emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic allowed for individuals to remain enrolled in Medicaid even if they became ineligible, except in certain circumstances. This is also known as the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement. A federal law ended the continuous coverage requirement on March 31, 2023. Now, all Pennsylvanians receiving Medicaid or CHIP must once again complete their annual renewal when it is due to determine if they are still eligible for coverage. No one will lose Medicaid or CHIP coverage without first having an opportunity to renew their coverage or update their information.
To make sure they are getting all updates about their renewal and benefits, Pennsylvanians should make sure their contact information is up to date with DHS. They can do this and report changes in their personal circumstances and check their renewal date:
Online at any time through COMPASS, available at www.dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS
By cellphone through the free myCOMPASS PA mobile app
By calling 1-877-395-8930 (or 215-560-7226 in Philadelphia)
Renewals will be completed over 12 months through April 2024, usually at a person’s normal time of renewal. If a person is found ineligible for coverage or does not complete their renewal on time, their Medicaid coverage will end. Pennsylvanians who are no longer eligible for
Medicaid will be referred to other sources of affordable medical coverage, like CHIP and Pennie, so they have no lapse in coverage.
Pennie is Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace and the only place to get financial assistance to help lower the cost of high-quality coverage and care. Those who are no longer eligible for Medicaid coverage can apply for coverage through pennie.com, while some individuals will have their information securely transferred from Medicaid or CHIP for an easier enrollment process. Customers can simply call Pennie Customer Service at 1-844-844-8040 or find Pennie-certified pros at pennie.com/connect
“Health coverage provides peace of mind, financial security, and access to preventive services to catch minor health issues before they become major problems,” said Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley. “Through Pennie, nine out of 10 customers qualify for financial savings, and many of those no longer eligible for Medicaid can find a plan for ten dollars or less. We encourage anyone who needs health coverage to visit pennie.com to learn about our quality health plan options.”
Community Action Partnership’s work spans the entirety of Lancaster County, within which the organization walks alongside individuals and families living with low incomes to imagine and build a future where they and everyone in the Lancaster community can thrive.
”Economic stability starts with making sure our basic human needs are met,” said Community Action Partnership CEO Vanessa Philbert. “When families have access to resources to stabilize their household income and maintain their wellbeing, communities thrive.”
To learn more about Medicaid and CHIP renewals and to access educational resources, visit www.dhs.pa.gov/staycovered.
For more information on health insurance options available to Pennsylvanians, visit www.pa.gov/healthcare.
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