PITTSBURGH (PTTP)– Almost 4 million Pennsylvanians that rely on Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are racing against the clock to retain their health insurance, or find another option.
Due to a federal law passed in December of 2022, an extension granted during the COVID-19 pandemic under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to continue Medicaid and CHIP coverage for most recipients, regardless of eligibility, is running out on April 1.
Despite the deadline to reapply quickly approaching, termination of coverage is not expected to be instantaneous. Denials are expected to be sent out later in April at the earliest. In an effort to remedy concerns about coverage, and to remind residents to reapply and to smooth out the renewal process, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is sending out letters, emails, and texts.
However, this comes with its own downsides. The DHS is concerned that Medicaid recipients might miss communication regarding renewing their coverage or forget to send renewal forms by the deadline. Another concern is that the system will be overloaded if a majority of the people requesting a renewal submit their documentation at the same time.
Despite the fact that some people might lose their coverage under Medicaid, DHS officials are trying to promote other healthcare plans for those that are no longer covered. For older adults, they can find coverage under Medicare and children can find coverage under CHIP.
For adults that are not covered under Medicaid, the DHS is recommending researching affordable plans under Pennie, Pennsylvania’s official health and dental coverage marketplace. Pennie has posted information on their website for people who might not be covered by Medicaid