During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal regulations for Medicaid, also known as Medical Assistance or MA, changed so that Americans would experience the least disruption possible. Medicaid eligibility was expanded and states were required to keep all Medicaid insurance participants enrolled in coverage even if they did not complete their annual paperwork. With the public health emergency ending, that is all changing.

As of April 1, 2023, you must once again renew your Medicaid coverage the month before it expires, or you will lose your coverage. Some people may no longer be eligible for Medicaid based on their income. You will not lose your Medicaid without a chance to complete a renewal or update your information. Update your information in COMPASS to receive renewal information on time and be sure to check your mail for a renewal packet.

When you complete your renewal, if you are no longer eligible for Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you can get connected to a state marketplace called Pennie where you can select low- or no-cost health coverage that’s right for you.

How to Recertify

There are three ways that Philadelphia residents can recertify their medical assistance or get help with coverage:

• Complete your renewal with the Pa. Department of Human Services. You can use their online system, COMPASS, or take your paperwork to any of their 13 County Assistance Offices.
• Get 1-on-1 assistance completing your renewal packet by visiting or calling a BenePhilly center. There are six centers located in Philadelphia, and most offer appointments in-person, virtually, and over the phone. Hours of operation and location can be found at phila.gov/benephilly. BenePhilly centers can also check to see if you are eligible for any other public benefits.
• Reach out to the Pennsylvania Health Access Network for help navigating the health insurance marketplace, Pennie. PHAN experts can help you compare the options in Pennie to choose a plan that’s right for you, and they are available by hotline at (877) 570-3642 or by email at helpline@pahealthaccess.org.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has outlined other big changes that may affect you now that many U.S. health emergency mandates are ending, including updates on SNAP benefits and COVID-19 tests.