Important information for older adults with Medicaid: Complete your annual renewal to stay covered
The following information was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging
What is changing with Medicaid?
Medicaid is a vital program that can help pay for health care, nursing home care, and home and community-based services. As of April 1, 2023, Pennsylvania must follow pre-COVID Medicaid eligibility rules. This means Medicaid coverage can end for those who are no longer eligible or who do not complete their yearly Medicaid renewal. Renewals will happen throughout the year. No one should lose coverage without having a chance to complete a renewal or file an appeal.
The Department of Aging and Area Agencies on Aging are assisting the Shapiro Administration and the Department of Human Services in sharing important information to help keep older Pennsylvanians connected to life-sustaining health coverage. For more information about these changes, go to www.dhs.pa.gov/phe.
Tips to Keep Medicaid Coverage
- Be sure your address and phone number are up to date, so you get needed information about your coverage. Call the Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 (215-560-7226 in Philadelphia) or use your COMPASS account to update your contact information.
- Read your mail and if you get a renewal form, fill it out and return it. It is very important to complete your renewal on time. COMPASS includes when to expect your annual renewal.
- Complete the renewal even if you think you are no longer eligible. This may help you avoid a gap in coverage or care.
- If you receive a notice that your Medicaid will end and feel it is not correct, file an appeal quickly to prevent a gap in your Medicaid coverage. You may also reapply for Medicaid at any time.
Medicare Options & Tips if Losing Medicaid Coverage
- If you did not enroll in Medicare Parts A or B when you first became eligible, you will have a time limited “Special Enrollment Period” to sign up with no late enrollment penalty, when you lose Medicaid.
- If you already have Medicare Parts A and B and lose Medicaid, review your plan options to be sure you have the coverage you need. For example, for a limited time you may join a Medicare health or drug plan or change your plan.
- Pennsylvania is protecting consumers who are losing Medicaid coverage and missed their Medicare Supplement (Medigap) open enrollment period. For a limited time, Medigap policies will be sold in the same way and at the same cost as sold to new Medicare enrollees.
- To get free, unbiased help about these options, contact PA MEDI at 1-800-783-7067.
