Lancaster, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and representatives from the Spanish American Civic Association (SACA) and Pennie® today highlighted how the Shapiro Administration, Pennie, and community organizations are collaborating to support Pennsylvanians through federal changes to Medicaid and CHIP renewal requirements so they can protect their health and stay covered.
"Everyone deserves the dignity and peace of mind of having access to affordable, high-quality, local 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," said Acting Secretary Arkoosh. "I urge all Pennsylvanians who get their health coverage through the state to do a few things right now so that your renewal goes smoothly: make sure your contact information is up-to-date with DHS; check your renewal date so that you are ready to renew when the time comes; and complete your renewal by the deadline when it's your turn to renew."
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. All Pennsylvanians receiving Medicaid or CHIP must complete their annual renewal when it is due to determine if they are still eligible for Medicaid or CHIP coverage. No one will lose Medicaid or CHIP coverage without first having an opportunity to renew their coverage or update their information.
Pennsylvanians can update their contact information, 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 (215-560-7226 if they live in Philadelphia)
- By calling 1-800-986-KIDS (5437) if they are currently enrolled in CHIP
Renewals will be completed over 12 months at a person's usual time of renewal, and renewals due in April 2023 will be the first to be affected by the end of continuous coverage. 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 quality, affordable health care.
"Health coverage provides peace of mind and financial security in the event of unexpected illness or injury, as well as 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 help. For those no longer eligible for Medicaid, Pennie coverage is often low cost. Many customers can find quality health plans for under $10 a month. We encourage anyone who needs health coverage to visit pennie.com."
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, and 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.
The Spanish American Civic Association, now known as SACA, was established in 1973 to help the Latino population assimilate to life in Lancaster. Today, SACA's mission has expanded to serve every ethnicity, age, and ability. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, SACA's ever-growing list of programs and services is centered on one mission: to uplift and restore marginalized communities through human, economic, and social services, while supporting cultural identities.
"SACA sees you. We value what you provide to the community. And we want to help bring out your brightest potential by supporting your basic needs, uncovering your unique gifts, and helping you overcome whatever roadblocks may be in your way," said Executive Director Jacqueline Fisher. "We bring hope, healing, and opportunity to Lancaster. This is what everyone deserves. This is SACA."
To learn more about Medicaid and CHIP renewals and 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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