Allentown, PA - Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Pennie® Executive Director Devon Trolley joined representatives from Neighborhood Health Centers of Lehigh Valley, the City of Allentown, and Lehigh County today for a roundtable discussion about how state and local partners are working together to support Pennsylvanians through federal changes to Medicaid and CHIP renewal requirements and keep them covered.
“With nearly 3.6 million Pennsylvanians covered by Medicaid, most of us know someone who gets their health coverage through the state. That’s why it is so important that we all work together to spread the word about completing Medicaid renewals,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “If you or someone you know receives Medicaid, please make sure they update their contact information with DHS and complete 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 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 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 a full range of medical care,” 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 less than $10 a month. We encourage anyone who needs health coverage to visit pennie.com to learn about our quality health plan options.”
Based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Neighborhood Health Centers of the Lehigh Valley (NHCLV) was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization by community members in 2004. Their goal was to meet the needs for a coordinated system of primary care for the uninsured and underinsured residents of the Lehigh Valley region. NHCLV operates federally qualified community health centers (FQHC) in downtown Allentown, Southside and Northside Bethlehem, and West Ward Easton. All the NHCLV health centers are open to the general public and accept patients with or without health insurance, offering a sliding fee discount program for individuals requesting assistance. NHCLV is independent and not affiliated with any local health networks.
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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