Erie, PA –  Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich in the present day met with the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging (P4A) to debate how the Shapiro Administration and native companions are working collectively to assist Pennsylvanians by way of federal modifications to Medicaid and CHIP renewal necessities with the aim of holding them coated. 

“Pennsylvanians at every age and every stage of life deserve the dignity and peace of mind in knowing that they can go to the doctor or fill a prescription when they need to. DHS has been proud to work with community partners across the state to spread the word about Medicaid renewals so that Pennsylvanians can keep their coverage or be referred to other options,” mentioned Secretary Arkoosh. “It is so important that anyone who receives their health coverage through the state updates their contact information with DHS and they complete their Medicaid renewal on time so they don’t risk a gap or loss in coverage.” 

The federal public well being emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic allowed for people to stay enrolled in Medicaid even when they turned ineligible, besides in sure circumstances. This is also called the Medicaid steady protection requirement. A federal regulation ended the continual protection requirement on March 31, 2023. Now, all Pennsylvanians receiving Medicaid or CHIP should as soon as once more full their annual renewal when it is because of decide if they’re nonetheless eligible for protection. No one will lose Medicaid or CHIP protection with out first having a possibility to resume their protection or replace their info. 

“The Department of Aging and the Area Agencies on Aging are committed to helping older adults who are no longer eligible for Medicaid coverage learn about other coverage options and assistance, such as PACE, our Pharmaceutical Assistance program, or calling PA MEDI for help enrolling in Medicare,” mentioned Secretary Kavulich. “With the federal changes also impacting insurance for children, we also want to ensure those grandparents raising grandchildren and other kinship caregivers review the important information for those children so they also continue receiving coverage. By taking this easy step, older adults will maintain coverage for themselves and the young people in their lives without risking a lack or loss of coverage.”  

To be certain they’re getting updates about their renewal and advantages, Pennsylvanians ought to be certain their contact info is updated with DHS. They can do that and report modifications of their private circumstances and test their renewal date:  

• Online at www.dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS 

• Via the free myCOMPASS PA cellular app 

• By calling 215-560-7226 (or 1-877-395-8930 if outdoors Philadelphia) 

Renewals will likely be accomplished over 12 months by way of April 2024, normally at an individual’s regular time of renewal. If an individual is discovered ineligible for protection or doesn’t full their renewal on time, their Medicaid protection will finish. Pennsylvanians who imagine their protection was ended incorrectly can enchantment the termination or return their packet inside 90 days of the deadline to have their renewal reconsidered. Medicaid recipients additionally could present their renewal info to their native County Assistance Office or by calling 1-866-550-4355.  

Pennsylvanians who’re not eligible for Medicaid will likely be referred to different sources of reasonably priced medical protection, like CHIP and Pennie, in order that they don’t have any lapse in protection.    

Pennie is Pennsylvania’s official medical insurance market and the one place to get monetary help to assist decrease the price of high-quality protection and care. Those who’re not eligible for Medicaid protection can apply for protection by way of pennie.com, whereas some people may have their info securely transferred from Medicaid or CHIP for a neater enrollment course of. Customers can merely name Pennie Customer Service at 1-844-844-8040 or discover Pennie-certified professionals at pennie.com/connect.   

P4A represents the 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that serve all 67 counties. AAAs function the entrance door for growing older providers locally and supply details about providers whereas additionally aiding in acquiring entry to and coordinating these providers. The major aim of AAAs is to assist older Pennsylvanians stay of their properties and communities for so long as attainable.   

“The health and wellbeing of all of us as we age is a top priority for P4A and the AAA network. We are appreciative of Secretaries Kavulich and Arkoosh for reinforcing the crucial action that older adults and kinship caregivers should take to prevent a gap or loss of health care coverage for themselves and the young people whom they are caring for. 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,” mentioned P4A Executive Director Rebecca May-Cole.  

To be taught extra about Medicaid and CHIP renewals and to entry instructional assets, go to www.dhs.pa.gov/staycovered. 

For extra info on medical insurance choices out there to Pennsylvanians, go to www.pa.gov/healthcare.  

MEDIA CONTACT: Brandon Cwalina – ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov

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