New Kensington, PA - Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Pennie® Director of External Affairs Chachi Angelo joined representatives from Wesley Family Services today to discuss how the Shapiro Administration and local partners are working together to support Pennsylvanians through federal changes to Medicaid and CHIP renewal requirements with the ultimate goal of keeping them covered.
“All Pennsylvanians should have the dignity and peace of mind in knowing that they can access high-quality, affordable, local health care when they need it. DHS wants to make sure that people maintain their health coverage through the renewal process regardless of whether it comes from Medicaid, Pennie, CHIP, or another source,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “If you receive your health care through the state or you know someone who does, please make sure their contact information is up to date with DHS and they complete their renewal on time so that they don’t risk a gap or loss in 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 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 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 believe their coverage was ended incorrectly can appeal the termination or return their packet within 90 days of the deadline to have their renewal reconsidered. Medicaid recipients also may provide their renewal information to their local County Assistance Office or by calling 1-866-550-4355
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.
“Having health coverage means your health, wallet, and peace of mind are protected. Through Pennie, nine out of 10 customers qualify for financial savings, and many Pennsylvanians who are no longer eligible for Medicaid can find a plan for less than $10 a month,” said Angelo. “If you need health coverage and access to a full range of medical care, visit pennie.com and explore your quality health plan options.”
Wesley Family Services (WFS) serves approximately 4,000 Medicaid recipients at any given time and is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides a diverse range of quality behavioral health and therapeutic support services to more than 20,000 individuals throughout Western Pennsylvania annually. WFS offers more than 55 healthcare and therapeutic programs, including outpatient locations in three counties. Additionally, WFS has an elementary/middle school in Upper St. Clair Township, one high school in Whitehall Borough, 23 single-family homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and provides educational services to 50 school districts throughout the region. Its mission is to empower children, adults, and families by providing transformational care.
The individuals and families we are privileged to serve not only experience behavioral health needs, but often times also experience significant medical comorbidities and multiple social determinants of health needs,” said Heather Duncan, WFS VP of Transition – Age and Adult Services. “We understand how detrimental it can be for this population to go without health coverage for any length of time, and our staff works diligently to ensure there is no disruption to their health benefits.”
To learn more about Medicaid and CHIP renewals and to access educational resources, visit www.dhs.pa.gov/staycovered.
Learn more about Wesley Family Services at www.wfspa.org.
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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