With major federal changes to Medicaid and CHIP renewal requirements now in effect, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley Friday visited the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown to highlight what’s changing and how the Shapiro Administration is partnering with community organizations to help Pennsylvanians maintain health insurance.
“Everyone deserves the inherent dignity of being able to go to the doctor when they need to do so, and to have access to affordable, high-quality, local health care. That’s why DHS’ goal throughout the renewal process is to make sure 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 their renewal goes smoothly: make sure contact information is up-to-date with DHS; check their renewal date so they are ready to renew when the time comes; and complete that renewal by the deadline.”
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal public health emergency (PHE) allowed for individuals to remain enrolled in Medicaid even if they became ineligible based on regular eligibility criteria, 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 once again complete their annual renewal when it is due to maintain health coverage, just as they did prior to the PHE. No one will lose Medicaid and CHIP coverage without an opportunity to first renew their coverage. Renewals will be completed over 12 months at a person’s usual time of renewal. Those due in April 2023 will be the first renewals to be affected by the end of continuous coverage.
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
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.
Pennie is Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace and the official 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. Pennie provides personalized, unbiased support and expertise virtually, over the phone, or in-person and in one’s preferred language. Customers can simply call Pennie Customer Service at 1-844-844-8040 or find Pennie-certified pros at pennie.com/connect. Anyone who looked at options through the health insurance marketplace in years past should look again. Pennie is tailored to Pennsylvanians and now has more plan options, lower costs, and better coordination with the Medicaid and CHIP programs.
“Health coverage provides peace of mind and financial security in the event of unexpected illness or injury, as well as access to preventative 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 or CHIP, the 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.”
Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center (BSC) provides a vibrant, inclusive space in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley for all of the region’s LGBTQ+ residents and allies. BSC facilitates the Pennsylvania LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment, addresses barriers to care through LGBTQ+ health programs, produces affirming community programming, organizes Lehigh Valley Pride and makes the Lehigh Valley more equitable through their LGBTQ+ Education Institute.
“The 2022 Pennsylvania LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment tells us that LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians are more likely to have health insurance coverage via Medicaid, CHIP, or a Pennie plan. Everyone deserves access to safe and affordable health care,” said Executive Director Ashley L. Coleman. “We are proud to partner with DHS and Pennie to connect our community members to affordable health care, having Health Enrollment Coordinators located in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Lehigh Valley serving LGBTQ+ community members across the state.”
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/health-insurance
