Attack on the Safety Net: Protecting Your Health Benefits

What You Need to Know

1. Look for a pink envelope from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. It contains important information about your Medicaid eligibility and renewal. Open it immediately and respond by the deadline. Missing this mail could result in losing coverage.

2. Update your address in two places. Make sure your address is current with both Pennsylvania’s COMPASS system and the U.S. Postal Service. Updating one does not automatically update the other. Download the free myCOMPASS PA app to manage your benefits and upload documents.

3. Starting in January 2027, many Medicaid recipients will have to meet new work requirements. These apply to adults ages 19–64 enrolled through Medicaid expansion, unless they qualify for an exemption. To maintain coverage, qualifying recipients must complete 80 hours per month of work, volunteering or a combination, or meet an eligible education or job-training requirement.

4. You may qualify for an exemption without realizing it. Exemptions include caring for a child under 14, caring for an older adult, certain disabilities and significant chronic medical conditions. Arkoosh said the state will use existing records to identify people who qualify whenever possible.

5. Medicaid renewals will become more frequent. Beginning in 2027, adults covered through Medicaid expansion will generally need to renew their eligibility every six months instead of annually. This means paying closer attention to notices and deadlines, even if your income or employment hasn’t changed.

6. Volunteer hours must be documented through qualifying organizations. Arkoosh explained that volunteer work through established 501(c)(3) nonprofits can count toward the 80-hour requirement, but informal neighborhood activities, such as independently organized block cleanups, may not qualify. Organizations can document hours for recipients to submit through COMPASS.

7. Losing Medicaid does not necessarily mean losing coverage permanently. People who appeal within the required timeframe may keep benefits during the appeal, and those who lose coverage can reapply. In 2027, people claiming certain exemptions will be allowed to self-attest, although documentation requirements are expected to tighten in 2028.

8. Children are not directly subject to the new Medicaid expansion work requirements. Even if a parent loses Medicaid, their children may remain eligible for coverage. Parents should continue renewing their children’s benefits and should not assume the entire family has lost eligibility.