Pittsburgh, PA - Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) Deputy Commissioner Shannen Logue joined representatives from Primary Care Health Services today to highlight how the Shapiro Administration and local health centers are collaborating to support Pennsylvanians through federal changes to Medicaid and CHIP renewal requirements so they can complete their renewals, protect their health, and stay covered.
“I am proud to work with community health centers across Pennsylvania to spread the word about Medicaid renewals because these centers are trusted resources that help individuals and families live healthier lives,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “Most of us know someone who receives Medicaid for their health coverage, so I ask all Pennsylvanians to join us in encouraging their friends, loved ones, and neighbors to stay covered by updating their contact information with DHS today and completing their renewal on time.”
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:
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.
“Any individual who finds themselves facing a loss of coverage through Medicaid should consider Pennie as an option to maintain health insurance for themselves and their families,” said Deputy Commissioner Logue. “Coverage through Pennie has never been more affordable than it is now, and there are multiple avenues to get comprehensive coverage with financial assistance. PID is committed to helping Pennsylvanians find access to affordable, quality health care coverage, and to making obtaining coverage as easy as possible.”
Primary Care Health Services, Inc (PCHS), a private community-based non-profit corporation was formed in 1976 by a group of community leaders dedicated to health equity in underserved communities. In 1977, the Homewood-Brushton Neighborhood Health Center was renamed the Alma Illery Medical Center to honor the civic leader and community champion and has been a cornerstone for East End neighborhoods ever since. PCHS has nine community health centers across Allegheny County located in East Liberty, Wilkinsburg, Hazelwood, the Hill District, West End, McKeesport, Homestead, Braddock, and Homewood with Alma Illery serving as the corporate office. The health system also operates the Wilkinsburg Family Support Center.
PCHS is committed to developing health delivery sites in medically underserved areas and ensuring that services are accessible and meet the needs and satisfaction of the populations served. PCHS offers preventive and primary health care, dental, behavioral health, healthcare for the homeless, social services referrals and offers onsite X-ray, laboratory, and pharmacy services. All services are offered without regard to an individual’s ability to pay; the organization’s Sliding Fee Program gives individuals additional reduced or discounted payments on all health care services based on household income and family size. PCHS’ social services department offers patients assistance with completing Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP applications and are also licensed assisters for Pennie.
“PCHS is committed to all of the communities we serve and our neighbors residing within them,” said PCHS Director of Behavioral Health & Social Services Khavah Murray, LCSW. “We are dedicated to our neighbor’s health and wellness and treat our patients with the care and compassion that we’d expect our family members to receive.”
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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