Changes with the public health emergency (PHE) declaration and continuous coverage requirements* are coming on April 1, 2023. After that date, Medicaid recipients will no longer be able to remain enrolled in Medicaid unless they complete their annual Medicaid renewal by their renewal due date. After the renewal is completed, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) will determine if recipients are still eligible for Medicaid.
*See the FAQ below for more information about the PHE declaration and continuous coverage requirements.
Annual Medicaid renewals
You don’t need to do anything to keep your Medicare coverage, but every year you must submit paperwork to prove that you are still eligible for Medicaid benefits to keep your UPMC for Life Complete Care (HMO SNP) coverage. DHS will send you a packet in the mail when your renewal is due. You must complete this packet and submit all needed documents by the renewal due date listed in the packet.
When it is time for your renewal, you can complete it using any of the methods below.
- Visit dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS.
- Call DHS at 1-866-550-4355 (TTY: 711).
- Get in-person help at your local County Assistance Office (CAO).
- Mail your paperwork to your CAO. You will be mailed a renewal packet from the CAO the month before your renewal is due. Complete the benefits review form and mail it back to your local CAO by the due date listed.
Updating contact information
It is important to make sure that DHS has your current address, phone number, and email address. This will allow them to send you information about your Medicaid coverage and renewal.
You can update your contact information or sign up to receive text messages and emails about your coverage in three easy ways:
- Visit dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS.
- Download the myCOMPASS PA app from your smartphone or tablet’s app store.
- Visit dhs.pa.gov/Text for instructions on how to opt in for text message updates.
If you cannot access COMPASS, you can update your contact information by calling the Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 (TTY: 711). If you live in Philadelphia, call 215-560-7226 (TTY: 711).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What will happen if I do not complete my annual Medicaid renewal?
If you do not complete your renewal, you will be disenrolled from Medicaid and will lose your UPMC for Life Complete Care coverage. DHS will send you a letter telling you that you are no longer eligible for Medicaid. The letter will include instructions on how to appeal the decision.
If I don’t complete my renewal on time, can I complete it later?
It is very important that you complete your renewal by the due date given. If you miss the deadline, you should still complete your renewal ASAP. If you complete your renewal (and are found to be eligible for Medicaid) within 60 days of your renewal due date, you will remain eligible for Medicaid. If you do not complete your renewal within 60 days, you will be disenrolled from Medicaid and will need to reapply.
What happens if I am no longer eligible for Medicaid?
DHS will send you a letter telling you that you are no longer eligible for Medicaid. The letter will include instructions on how to appeal the decision. This does not affect your Medicare eligibility.
If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, you will be disenrolled from UPMC for Life Complete Care. However, because you are eligible for Medicare, you can still get affordable coverage through UPMC for Life. UPMC for Life offers Medicare Advantage plans that start at $0 for your monthly premium; provide full coverage; and include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, over-the-counter products, and much more. We can help answer your questions and make sure you’re getting all the extra help you qualify for.
Call us toll-free at 1-866-400-5077 (TTY: 711). We are available Jan. 1 through Sept. 30 seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can also browse UPMC for Life Medicare Advantage plan options and apply for enrollment online through the UPMC for Life shop tool.
What is the public health emergency?
The public health emergency (PHE) is a federal declaration made by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that was put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It temporarily changed some Medicaid eligibility rules to help Medicaid recipients who were affected by COVID-19.
What is the continuous coverage requirement*?
The continuous coverage requirement went into effect during the PHE. It allowed Medicaid recipients to remain enrolled in Medicaid even if their income changed, or they failed to complete their annual renewal. A recent federal law ends the continuous coverage requirement on April 1, 2023.
After April 1, 2023, Medicaid recipients will no longer be able to remain enrolled in Medicaid unless they complete their annual Medicaid renewal by their renewal due date and meet all Medicaid eligibility requirements.
*Dates are subject to change. Please check the DHS website for current information about continuous coverage requirements under the PHE.
How can I get more information?
For information about PHE and the continuous coverage requirement, visit Medical Assistance & CHIP Renewals (pa.gov).
If you have questions about your Medicaid renewal, you can call the Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 (215-560-7226 in Philadelphia). TTY users should call 711. You can also contact your CAO. To find your CAO’s phone number, visit CAO Contact (pa.gov).