An Important Message to Medicaid Recipients

Take These Steps So You Don’t Lose Your Benefits When the Public Health Emergency Ends

Prior to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), individuals receiving Medical Assistance (MA), such as Medicaid, had to renew their eligibility annually to maintain their benefits. Over the past two years, additional federal funding was extended to states to keep people enrolled in Medicaid during the pandemic without having to complete a renewal.

At any time the PHE could end, leaving many people unaware that they could lose their benefits if they don’t renew them. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) suggests that everyone receiving Medicaid takes the following steps NOW to ensure their coverage:

• Sign up for emails and texts to get the latest updates.
• Make sure your contact information is current with DHS.
• Complete your Medicaid renewal to maintain coverage.
• Use the COMPASS website & the myCOMPASS app.
• Follow the PA DHS on social media.

“We think it’s important that all families and stakeholders be aware that this change is coming, even if we are not quite sure when it will happen,” says Emily Hammer, Quality Assurance Manager at Potential. “The materials the DHS has made available outline steps to take to protect coverage for our clients receiving assistance.”

The End of PHE in Pennsylvania:
What You Need to Know

All Medicaid recipients in Pennsylvania should make sure their contact information is up to date so that they do not miss any important updates. The PA DHS has made information available at dhs.pa.gov/phe and on the Stakeholder Resources and Toolkit webpage. 

“Once the federal PHE ends, individuals receiving medical assistance will need to complete a renewal to maintain their coverage. There is a great risk that many people could lose their coverage because they were unaware of the change and did not complete their renewal,” adds Emily. “Now is the time to confirm your contact information and to check your eligibility.”

If you need additional assistance you can contact Emily Hammer at ehammer@potentialinc.org or 215-579-0670 ext 102.