PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and community service centers are collaborating to help Pennsylvanians navigate federal changes to Medicaid and CHIP renewal requirements. By working together, they aim to ensure that eligible individuals stay connected to essential health coverage. The Pennie platform offers financial savings and affordable plans for those who are no longer eligible for Medicaid. Additionally, organizations like ACLAMO are partnering with DHS to support the community by identifying barriers to healthcare and providing resources for optimal health.
“We want to make sure that every Pennsylvanian who is eligible for Medicaid stays on Medicaid,” said Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “By listening and collaborating with partners that work every day to help navigate people through DHS’ programs, it helps us better understand opportunities to improve and 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 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 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.”
ACLAMO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community service organization that provides educational programs, social services, and access to health and wellness programs to Latinos and other community members to empower them to fully achieve their life potential. Founded in 1976, ACLAMO has been an important connector in Montgomery County’s human services network for over 45 years. ACLAMO takes a holistic approach to supporting the community and provides services in three areas: education services for children and families through after-school programs; health and wellness programs designed to decrease health disparities for Latinos through benefits acquisition and food distribution efforts; and social services to address needs housing and utilities, employment and training, workforce development, educational support services, and immigration.
“Knowledge and access to health services are critical to members of our community who face many barriers to care. These obstacles can cause harm to their health and jeopardize the economic stability of their families, often causing lasting hardships. At ACLAMO we work with partners such as DHS to identify the social determinants of health, to remove barriers, and to support our community to navigate the complicated systems, utilize resources, and learn about their health to live their full potential,” said Nelly Jimenez, Executive Director and CEO of ACLAMO.
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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