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Medical Access

Important Information About Medical Assistance (MA) and CHIP Coverage

To help families stay informed about changes that may affect their child's eligibility for certain services, please review the following update:

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 ended continuous coverage for Medical Assistance (MA) and CHIP as of April 1, 2023. This means that all MA and CHIP recipients must now complete an annual renewal to maintain their health coverage.

After April 1, 2023, the Department of Human Services (DHS) returned to standard eligibility rules. If you do not complete your renewal, or if changes in income or household status make you ineligible, your MA or CHIP coverage could end.

What You Need to Know

  • Renewals will take place over a 12-month period. No one will lose coverage without first being given the opportunity to renew.
  • You will receive a renewal packet in the mail about 90 days before your due date.
  • It is important to complete your renewal, even if nothing has changed. By submitting your renewal, DHS can either continue your MA/CHIP coverage or help you find another affordable health coverage option.

How to Complete Your Renewal

You can submit your renewal in one of four ways:

  • By Mail: Complete the forms and return them using the provided envelope
  • Online: Visit COMPASS
  • By Phone: Call 1-866-550-4355 to speak with a customer service representative
  • In Person: Visit your local County Assistance Office (CAO)

Keep Your Contact Information Updated

Make sure your current address and phone number are on file so you don’t miss important updates about your coverage.

Update your information by:

  • Calling 1-877-395-8930 (or 1-215-560-7226 if you live in Philadelphia)
  • Logging into your COMPASS account

Stay Informed

  • Everyone’s renewal date is different.
  • You’ll get a renewal notice about 90 days before your due date.
  • You can opt in to receive text message reminders from DHS, including alerts when your renewal packet is mailed.

Need Help?

If you have questions or concerns about this process, please contact the Department of Human Services or the COMPASS Customer Service Center for assistance.