Philadelphia, PA - Today, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh joined representatives from Independence Blue Cross’ foundation and health plans as well as community health centers to discuss how the Shapiro Administration is working to support Pennsylvanians through federal changes to Medicaid and CHIP renewal requirements so they can complete their renewals on time, protect their health, and stay covered.
“I am proud to work with partners across Pennsylvania to help Medicaid recipients stay covered. Our health insurance networks are trusted resources that provide us real insight on how the Medicaid renewal process is going so far for people,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “Listening and collaborating with partners at the local level that work every day to help people through the Medicaid renewal process helps us understand opportunities to better assist and where we can partner to make sure people are staying connected to Medicaid or other forms of essential coverage.”
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 also report changes in their personal circumstances and check their renewal date:
Online at www.dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS
Via the free myCOMPASS PA mobile app
By calling 215-560-7226 (or 1-877-395-8930 if outside 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.
“Independence Blue Cross is working with each and every stakeholder to help those covered through Medicaid stay insured with health care coverage they can count on,” said Stephen P. Fera, executive vice president of Public Affairs and Government Markets for Independence Blue Cross. “The health centers supported by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation are on the front lines helping patients make this transition. Secretary Arkoosh and her team are extremely committed to this effort and are great partners. We are pleased that she could join us today to share information and resources that will help make that work easier.”
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.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brandon Cwalina - ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov
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