Medicaid is changing. We're here to help.
New rules are coming to Pennsylvania Medicaid, also called Medical Assistance. This page explains the changes in everyday language and helps you find your next step.
You do not have to figure everything out at once. Start with the question that fits you.
Find the information I need ↓First, remember:
Do not ignore mail from Pennsylvania DHS. Open letters about your benefits and follow the instructions. If you do not understand a letter, ask someone you trust or call for help.
Keep your address up to date. This helps you receive important notices.
What would you like help with?
Choose a topic. You can come back to this page whenever you need to.
I already have Medicaid
Learn about renewals, notices, and steps that may help you keep your coverage.
Help with my MedicaidI have a disability or health condition
Learn about exemptions and how to tell DHS about your situation.
Disability and exemptionsI need to apply for Medicaid
Learn what may be asked when you apply and what information to prepare.
Help with an applicationI received a letter, text, or call
Find out how to check messages and what to do if DHS asks for information.
Understand a messageI have questions about work
Learn about the 80-hour rule, activities that may count, and exemptions.
Work requirementsI need to talk to someone
Find the Pennsylvania phone numbers for Medicaid questions.
Contact informationWhat is changing?
Not every change applies to every person. Pennsylvania DHS decides how the rules apply to your Medicaid case.
Changes for some noncitizens
Some people with certain immigration statuses may no longer qualify for federally funded Medicaid. DHS says affected people should receive a notice. If this may affect you, read your notice and get individual help promptly.
Work and community activity rules
Some adults ages 19–64 may need to report qualifying work or other activities, or report an exemption. The rule does not apply to everyone.
Some renewals every 6 months
Some adults ages 19–64 will need to renew every six months instead of every year. For people already enrolled, the change follows their next renewal in 2027.
Shorter retroactive coverage
If you apply for Medicaid, the time Medicaid may cover eligible medical bills from before the application will be shorter: generally one month for Medicaid expansion adults and two months for other categories. Ask for help if you have recent medical bills.
Information based on Pennsylvania DHS guidance reviewed October 14, 2026. Rules and guidance can change; this page should be reviewed regularly.
I already have Medicaid. What should I do?
Some people will need to answer new questions during their renewal. DHS says it will send a notice if your coverage changes. Do not ignore notices or requests for information.
- Check your contact information. Make sure DHS has your current address and phone number.
- Watch your mail. Open letters from DHS, even if you are unsure what they mean.
- Know your renewal date. Check COMPASS or the myCOMPASS PA mobile app.
- Ask for help early. If you do not understand a notice or need help responding, contact DHS or ask your support person to help you call.
I have a disability or health condition. What does this mean for me?
Some people do not have to meet the new work requirements because they qualify for an exemption. There are also exemptions or special rules for certain situations.
What should I do?
- Read any letter DHS sends you about work requirements.
- Tell DHS about your situation when asked on your application or renewal.
- If you think an exemption applies, contact your County Assistance Office or DHS and ask what information is needed.
- Ask a trusted family member, advocate, or support professional to help you understand the notice or make the call, if you want help.
If you receive services through Joinder: You can ask your support team to help you understand the information and find the right contact. Joinder cannot determine your Medicaid eligibility through this page.
See Pennsylvania DHS's current list of work requirement exemptions.
Work requirements: the basics
Starting January 1, 2027, some adults ages 19–64 may need to show at least 80 hours per month of qualifying work or other activities, unless an exemption applies.
Activities that may count
- Paid work.
- Volunteering or community service.
- Other activities listed by Pennsylvania DHS, which may include certain education or job training activities.
Rules can depend on your situation. Ask DHS whether your activity counts before assuming you have met the requirement.
Do I need proof?
Pennsylvania DHS says paid work must be verified, such as with a pay stub. In 2027, many other activities and exemptions may be reported by answering questions on your application or renewal. DHS says documentation requirements change in 2028. Follow the instructions in your own notice.
Read the official Pennsylvania work requirement information.
I need to apply for Medicaid
Some applicants will be asked about work requirements or an exemption. If you apply on or after January 1, 2027, and the work rules apply to you, Pennsylvania DHS says you may need to report qualifying activity or an exemption for the month before you apply.
Apply or manage your benefits
Use Pennsylvania's COMPASS website or myCOMPASS PA mobile app to apply, check benefits, update contact information, and submit documents.
If you have medical bills from before your application, ask about retroactive coverage when you apply. The time period may be shorter for applications submitted on or after January 1, 2027.
I received a letter, text, or phone call
Do not ignore a letter from DHS
Read the letter and note any deadline. If it asks you to provide information, respond by the deadline or call DHS if you need help understanding what to do.
How can I check if a message is real?
- Pennsylvania DHS says its Medicaid-change text messages come from 69217.
- Recorded calls about these changes may come from 1-877-839-4782.
- DHS says it will never ask you to provide personal information about you or your benefits over text message.
If you are unsure, do not send personal information in a text. Call an official DHS number listed on this page.
My simple to-do list
Check each item when you have done it. Your selections stay on this page only and are not sent to Joinder or DHS.
Update information or check benefits in COMPASS · Read Pennsylvania DHS's preparation steps
Common questions
Will everyone lose Medicaid in January 2027?
No. Pennsylvania DHS says coverage will not automatically change for everyone on January 1. Some people will need to report qualifying work or an exemption during an application or renewal. DHS says it will send a notice if your coverage changes.
How do I find my renewal date?
Check COMPASS or the myCOMPASS PA mobile app. Some adults ages 19–64 will move to six-month renewals after their next renewal in 2027. You must complete and return your renewal to keep coverage.
What if I receive SNAP too?
Pennsylvania DHS says some people who are subject to SNAP work requirements and also receive Medicaid are excluded from the Medicaid work requirement. The details depend on your SNAP situation. Ask DHS to confirm how the rule applies to you.
What if I lose my job?
DHS says losing a job before your next renewal does not by itself end Medicaid, as long as you remain otherwise eligible. Work requirements are checked during the relevant application or renewal process. Contact DHS if your situation changes or you receive a notice.
What if my Medicaid already ended?
If your Medicaid coverage has ended, act quickly. You can request reconsideration and should do so within 15 days of your Medicaid ending whenever possible. Submit any additional documentation that DHS needs to review your eligibility. If you are unsure what to do or what deadline applies to you, contact DHS or your County Assistance Office for help.
Who can help me understand the rules?
Call the Pennsylvania Medicaid changes help line at 1-877-883-6383. You can also call the PA DHS Helpline at 1-800-692-7462 or ask a trusted family member, advocate, or support professional to help you make the call.
Will Joinder decide if I qualify for Medicaid?
No. Pennsylvania DHS makes decisions about Medicaid eligibility. Joinder's Help Center is intended to explain the changes in plain language and help you find where to ask questions.
Need help? Start with a phone call.
Pennsylvania Medicaid Changes Help Line
Questions about the new rules.
Call 1-877-883-6383PA DHS Helpline
General questions about Medical Assistance.
Call 1-800-692-7462TDD: 1-800-451-5886
Customer Service Center
Ask how to report information or submit documents.
Call 877-395-8930Philadelphia: 215-560-7226
Online: COMPASS · Official DHS Medicaid changes page · Official DHS FAQ