PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich held a meeting with the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging (P4A) on October 16, 2023. The primary discussion revolved around how the Shapiro Administration and local partners are working together to support Pennsylvanians in light of federal changes to Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) renewal requirements.
“It is crucial that anyone receiving their health coverage through the state updates their contact information with DHS and completes their Medicaid renewal on time so they don’t risk a gap or loss in coverage,” stated Secretary Arkoosh.
Previously, due to the federal public health emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals could remain enrolled in Medicaid even if they became ineligible. However, a federal law ended this continuous coverage requirement on March 31, 2023. Now, all Pennsylvanians receiving Medicaid or CHIP must complete their annual renewal to determine eligibility for continued coverage.
Secretary Kavulich emphasized the commitment of the Department of Aging and the Area Agencies on Aging to help older adults learn about other coverage options and assistance like PACE, the Pharmaceutical Assistance program, or PA MEDI for Medicare enrollment.
To ensure they receive updates about their renewal and benefits, Pennsylvanians are advised to keep their contact information up to date with DHS. This can be done online at the DHS website, via the free myCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the DHS contact numbers.
Renewals will be completed over 12 months through April 2024, usually at the 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. However, those 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.
Pennsylvanians no longer eligible for Medicaid will be referred to other sources of affordable medical coverage, like CHIP and Pennie, Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace.
P4A represents the 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serving all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. These agencies aim to help older Pennsylvanians remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
“The AAAs are on the ground serving older adults in their community, and we urge any older adult to reach out to their local AAA for more information on health-related and other supports for which they may be eligible,” said P4A Executive Director Rebecca May-Cole.
For more information on Medicaid and CHIP renewals and to access educational resources, Pennsylvanians can visit the DHS website. Information on health insurance options available to Pennsylvanians is also available on the official Pennsylvania government website.
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