Medical Assistance Renewals
Stay updated on Medical Assistance renewal changes that impact you!
Due to changes in federal law*, beginning April 1, 2023, Medical Assistance recipients will no longer be able to remain enrolled in Medical Assistance unless they complete their annual Medical Assistance renewal by their due date. After the renewal is completed, the Department of Human Services (DHS) will determine if recipients are still eligible for Medical Assistance.
*Please see FAQ below for more information on the changes to federal law that began on April 1, 2023.
What this means for UPMC Community HealthChoices participants
Annual Medical Assistance Renewals
You will need to complete your annual Medical Assistance renewal every year to keep your UPMC Community HealthChoices coverage. DHS will send you a packet in the mail the month before your renewal due date. You must complete this packet and submit all needed documents by the renewal due date listed in the packet. There is no cost to complete your Medical Assistance renewal.
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.
- Get in-person help at your local County Assistance Office (CAO).
- Mail your paperwork to your CAO.
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 Medical Assistance 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.
- Use the myCOMPASS PA app. Download it from your smartphone or tablet’s app store.
- Call the Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930. If you reside in Philadelphia, call 215-560-7226.
Visit dhs.pa.gov/Text for instructions on how to opt in for text message updates using your COMPASS account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What will happen if I do not complete my annual Medical Assistance renewal?
If you do not complete your renewal, your Medical Assistance coverage will stop, and you will lose your UPMC Community HealthChoices coverage.
You can still submit your renewal up to 90 days after the date your Medical Assistance coverage ends. You will receive a letter reminding you about completing your renewal during this 90-day period. If you are still eligible, your coverage will reopen with no gap in coverage.
What happens if I am no longer eligible for Medical Assistance?
If you are no longer eligible for Medical Assistance, you will be disenrolled from UPMC Community HealthChoices. DHS will send you a notice telling you that you are no longer eligible for Medical Assistance. The notice will include instructions on how to appeal the decision.
DHS will also securely send the information you provide during your renewal to Pennie®, Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace. Pennie can help you review other health insurance options (including UPMC insurance plans) and will tell you about the financial assistance that may be available to help you. DHS will send you a letter telling you that they sent your information to Pennie®.
To apply for other health insurance coverage visit Pennie®.
What is the Public Health Emergency (PHE)?
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 Medical Assistance eligibility rules to help Medical Assistance recipients who were impacted by COVID-19.
What is the continuous coverage requirement?
The continuous coverage requirement went into effect during the PHE. It allowed Medical Assistance recipients to remain enrolled in Medical Assistance even if their income changed, or they failed to complete their annual renewal. A recent federal law ends the continuous coverage requirement on March 31, 2023.
Beginning April 1, 2023, Medical Assistance recipients will no longer be able to remain enrolled in Medical Assistance unless they complete their annual Medical Assistance renewal by their renewal due date and meet all Medical Assistance eligibility requirements.
How can I get more information?
For more information, visit Medical Assistance & CHIP Renewals (pa.gov)
If you have questions about your Medical Assistance renewal, you can call the Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 or 215-560-7226 in Philadelphia. You can also contact your CAO. To find your CAO’s phone number, visit CAO Contact (pa.gov)
How can I get help to complete my Medical Assistance renewal?
If you need help to complete your Medical Assistance renewal, please call the UPMC Community HealthChoices Health Care Concierge team at 1-844-833-0523 (TTY: 711). A team member can explain the process or connect you with support. You can receive help over the phone or in person.
To schedule a visit at a UPMC Health Plan Connect Center, visit our Online Scheduler. Select a Connect Center, then choose “Medicaid Renewal” as the reason for your visit.
What is the myCOMPASS PA app?
The myCOMPASS PA app is a secure, convenient, and simple way to apply for and manage the benefits you receive from the Department of Human Services (DHS).
Use the DHS myCOMPASS PA app!
With the myCOMPASS PA app, you can complete all the tasks below, anytime and anywhere, directly from your smartphone or tablet.
- Look up your benefits.
- Update your contact information.
- Check the status of applications you submit.
- Upload documents.
- Report changes that affect your benefits.
Download the myCOMPASS PA app today from the App Store or Google PlayTM.
