Philadelphia, PA - Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley, and Philadelphia Health Commissioner Cheryl Bettigole today reminded Pennsylvanians of the end of pandemic flexibilities for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage and discussed how the Shapiro Administration, health systems, and community organizations are coming together to support Pennsylvanians through these changes so they can protect their health and stay covered.
“Everyone deserves the inherent dignity of being able to go to the doctor when they need to do so, and to have access to affordable, high-quality, local health care. That’s why DHS’ goal throughout the renewal process is to make sure all Pennsylvanians stay covered,” said Acting Secretary Arkoosh. “I urge all Pennsylvanians who get their health coverage through the state to do a few things right now so their renewal goes smoothly: make sure contact information is up-to-date with DHS; check their renewal date so they are ready to renew when the time comes; and complete that renewal by the deadline.”
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 based on regular eligibility criteria, 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. All Pennsylvanians receiving Medicaid or CHIP must complete their annual renewal when it is due to maintain their Medicaid or CHIP coverage. No one will lose Medicaid or CHIP coverage without an opportunity to renew their coverage.
Pennsylvanians can update their contact information, report changes in their personal circumstances, and check their renewal date:
Via the free myCOMPASS PA Mobile App
By calling 1-866-550-4355 (215-560-7226 if they live in Philadelphia)
By calling 1-800-986-KIDS (5437) if they are currently enrolled in CHIP
Renewals will be completed over 12 months. If a person is found ineligible for their current 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 quality, affordable health care.
“Health coverage provides peace of mind, financial security, and access to a wide range of medical services. For those no longer eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, Pennie is here to help you stay covered with affordable, high quality health coverage,” said Pennie’s Executive Director Devon Trolley. “There are more cost savings than ever before, with nine out of 10 Pennie customers qualifying for lower monthly premiums. Many customers can find quality health plans for under $10 a month.”
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 no longer eligible for Medicaid coverage can apply for coverage through pennie.com, and some individuals will have their information securely transferred from Medicaid or CHIP for an easier enrollment process. Pennie provides personalized, unbiased support and expertise virtually, over the phone, or in-person and in one’s preferred language. Customers can simply call Pennie Customer Service at 1-844-844-8040 or find Pennie-certified pros at pennie.com/connect. Anyone who looked at options through the health insurance marketplace in years past should look again. Pennie is tailored to Pennsylvanians and now has more plan options, lower costs, and better coordination with the Medicaid and CHIP programs.
“The end of continuous Medicaid enrollment puts Philadelphians who are covered through this critical program at risk of losing their medical coverage,” said Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole. “But we are grateful for the partnership of the state Department of Human Services and for Dr. Arkoosh’s leadership in making sure that this process is as smooth as possible. If you or a family member are covered by Medicaid, please take action now to make sure your information is updated in Compass so that you get the renewal information you need. Help navigating this process available through Pennie or by calling 215-560-7226. City residents can also call 311 for information on the City’s BenePhilly Centers and City Health Center patients can get help on site through our benefits counselors.”
To learn more about Medicaid and CHIP renewals and access educational resources, visit www.dhs.pa.gov/phe.
For more information on health insurance options available to Pennsylvanians, visit www.pa.gov/health-insurance.
NOTE: Additional photos and video of speakers are available by emailing ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brandon Cwalina - ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov
# # #