Philadelphia, PA - Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Pennie® Executive Director Devon Trolley joined representatives from Philadelphia FIGHT 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.
“Everyone deserves the dignity and peace of mind of having access to affordable, high-quality health care and knowing they can go to the doctor when they need it. DHS’ goal throughout the renewal process is to make sure that all Pennsylvanians stay covered so they have that peace of mind,” said Acting Secretary Arkoosh. “I urge all Pennsylvanians who get their health coverage through the state to make sure their contact information is up-to-date and to be on the lookout for communications from DHS about their renewal so that when it’s their turn to renew, they can complete it on time and stay covered through Medicaid or Pennie.”
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 usual 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 $10 or less. We encourage anyone who needs health coverage to visit pennie.com to learn about our quality health plan options.”
Philadelphia FIGHT is a Federally Qualified Health Center, founded in 1991 as a clinical research organization working toward a cure for AIDS. Since that time, the organization has grown to encompass primary care for close to 8,000 people, most of them low income and facing serious life challenges. FIGHT also offers HIV primary and specialty care and gender affirming care consistent with its commitment to allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community. FIGHT also sponsors a suite of educational activities, including signature program Project TEACH which has trained over 6,000 HIV+ people since 1996 to take charge of their own health, the Institute for Community Justice offering programs for citizens returning from incarceration, and the Critical Path Learning Center focused on digital literacy and healthcare access through the Internet.
“The majority of our patients receive their coverage through Medicaid and CHIP, which provides them with a wide range of healthcare services,” said Philadelphia FIGHT CEO Jane Shull. “Medicaid enables our patients to receive preventive care, including PrEP that prevents the acquisition of HIV, dental care that correlates strongly with a person’s ability to get and hold a job, and continuity of care for people as they leave prison or jail for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and Hepatitis. Without Medicaid it would not be possible for us to offer the high quality of care that we are proud to provide to our patients in Philadelphia.”
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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