To renew Medicaid in Pennsylvania, you must complete a renewal packet by your due date. You can do this online through COMPASS, by phone, by mail, or in person at your county assistance office.
This guide walks you through each step, so you keep your health coverage without a gap.
Quick Summary:
- Pennsylvania Medicaid is called Medical Assistance (MA), and it’s run by the Department of Human Services (DHS)
- Everyone gets a renewal date, and DHS mails a pink renewal packet about 30 days before it’s due
- You can renew online, by phone, by mail, or in person
- Missing your due date can stop your coverage, but you may still fix it within 90 days
- New federal rules will affect some adults starting in 2027, and outreach begins in late 2026
- Not sure if you still qualify? Try our Medicaid Eligibility Calculator before you renew
What Is Medicaid Renewal?
Medicaid renewal is a yearly checkup on your coverage. Pennsylvania calls Medicaid “Medical Assistance,” or MA for short. Each year, the state checks if you still qualify.
This process is sometimes called redetermination. DHS looks at your income, household size, and other details. If you still qualify, your coverage continues without any break.
Why Renewal Matters
Renewal keeps your healthcare active. If you skip it, your Medicaid or CHIP coverage can end.
Even if nothing in your life has changed, you still must complete the renewal. DHS needs your confirmation either way.
Who Handles Renewals in Pennsylvania
The Office of Income Maintenance (OIM) inside DHS manages Medicaid renewals. Your local county assistance office (CAO) reviews your case and makes the final decision.
Who Needs to Renew Medicaid in Pennsylvania in 2026?
Anyone currently enrolled in Medical Assistance or CHIP in Pennsylvania must renew when their renewal date arrives. This applies whether you are a parent, a senior, pregnant, or living with a disability.
Your renewal date is personal to you. It is not the same for every household in the state.
How to Find Your Renewal Date
You can check your renewal date inside your COMPASS account. The myCOMPASS PA mobile app shows this too.
DHS also mails, emails, or texts reminders. These start about 90 days before your renewal is due.
What Happens If You Don’t Renew
If you miss your renewal date, your Medical Assistance or CHIP coverage will stop. You may be automatically referred to Pennie, Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace, for other coverage options.
Medicaid Renewal Timeline in Pennsylvania 2026
DHS sends renewal information in stages. This happens over about three to four months around your personal renewal date.
Knowing this timeline helps you stay ahead of paperwork. Nothing here should surprise you if you’re watching your mail and COMPASS account.
90 Days Before Your Renewal
DHS sends a flyer called the CM 537. It asks you to report any changes and sign up for text and email alerts.
You’ll also get an email around this time. It reminds you to keep your contact information updated with DHS.
60 to 30 Days Before Your Renewal
A second email arrives during this window. It explains the different ways you can complete your renewal.
You can also log into COMPASS during this period. Renewals can be submitted online as early as 60 days before the due date.
30 Days Before Your Renewal (Look for the Pink Envelope)
Your renewal packet arrives about 30 days before it’s due. DHS uses a large pink envelope, so it’s easy to spot in your mailbox.
You’ll also get text reminders around this time. One tells you the packet was mailed, and another warns when your due date is only 5 days away.
How to Renew Medicaid in Pennsylvania (Step-by-Step)
There are four ways to complete your Medical Assistance or CHIP renewal. Pick whichever method feels easiest for you.
Each method leads to the same result: your local CAO reviews your case and decides if you still qualify.
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before you start, collect basic details about your household. This includes income, address, and family size.
Have any requested verification documents ready too. This might include pay stubs or proof of address.
Step 2: Choose How to Renew
Online through COMPASS Log into your COMPASS account and complete your renewal there. This is the fastest option, and you can also check your renewal date this way.
By phone Call 1-866-550-4355 to renew with a customer service representative.
By mail Fill out the paper forms from your renewal packet. Mail them back using the envelope provided.
In person Visit your local county assistance office. Drop off your completed forms directly.
Step 3: Submit Verification Documents
Sometimes DHS needs proof of your income or household changes. You can upload these through myCOMPASS PA, mail them, fax them, or drop them off at your CAO.
If you’re struggling to gather documents, call the Statewide Customer Service Center. The number is 1-877-395-8930, or 215-560-7226 in Philadelphia.
Step 4: Wait for Your Eligibility Decision
After you submit everything, DHS reviews your case. You’ll get a written notice telling you the result.
What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal?
Once your renewal is processed, DHS will mail you a benefit notice. This letter tells you whether your Medical Assistance or CHIP coverage will continue.
If You’re Still Eligible
Your coverage keeps going with no interruption. You don’t need to do anything else.
If You’re No Longer Eligible
You’ll receive a letter explaining why. In most cases, you’ll also get a referral to Pennie, the state’s health insurance marketplace.
You have the right to appeal this decision. Instructions for requesting a fair hearing will be included in your notice.
If You Miss Your Renewal Entirely
Coverage stops if you don’t submit your renewal or required documents. But you can still submit your renewal up to 90 days after your coverage ends, and if you’re still eligible, it reopens with no gap.
Changes Coming to Pennsylvania Medicaid in 2027 (What to Know Now)
A new federal law will bring two big changes to Pennsylvania Medicaid starting January 1, 2027. DHS will start reaching out about these changes by September 2026, so it’s worth understanding them now.
Renewals Every Six Months
Some adults ages 19 to 64 will need to renew every six months instead of once a year. This won’t happen right away for current recipients — it starts after your next scheduled renewal following January 1, 2027.
Work and Community Engagement Requirements
Some adults ages 19 to 64 without a dependent child under 14 will need to report at least 80 hours a month of work, school, volunteering, or job training. Certain groups are exempt, including pregnant or postpartum people, caretakers of young children, people with disabilities, and veterans with a VA-determined total disability.
What You Can Do Now
Update your address in COMPASS and with the US Postal Service. Sign up for DHS text and email alerts so you don’t miss anything when these changes take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I renew my Medicaid in Pennsylvania?
A: You can renew online through COMPASS, by phone at 1-866-550-4355, by mail using your renewal packet, or in person at your county assistance office. Complete your renewal by the due date listed on your packet to avoid a gap in coverage.
Q: When will I get my Medicaid renewal packet?
A: DHS mails your renewal packet in a large pink envelope about 30 days before your due date. You can check your exact renewal date anytime through your COMPASS account or the myCOMPASS PA app.
Q: What happens if I miss my Medicaid renewal deadline in Pennsylvania?
A: Your Medical Assistance or CHIP coverage will stop. You can still submit your renewal up to 90 days after coverage ends, and if you’re found eligible, your coverage reopens with no gap.
Q: Do I need to renew Medicaid if nothing in my life changed?
A: Yes. You must complete your renewal every year even if your income and household size stayed the same. DHS needs your confirmation to keep your case active.
Q: What if I’m not eligible for Medicaid anymore after renewal?
A: You’ll get a notice explaining the decision, and you’ll likely be referred to Pennie, Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace. You also have the right to appeal if you disagree with the outcome.
Q: Is Pennsylvania Medicaid changing in 2027?
A: Yes. Starting January 1, 2027, some adults ages 19–64 will need to renew every six months and report work or community engagement hours. DHS will begin contacting affected recipients by September 2026.
Sources & Disclaimer
Written & Reviewed by Akash Biswas, MSW | Former Medicaid Caseworker Trainer | Verified against official Medicaid.gov and Pennsylvania DHS guidelines | Last Updated: July 2026
Sources:
- Pennsylvania DHS – Medicaid & CHIP Renewals
- Pennsylvania DHS – Medicaid & CHIP Recipient Communications
- Pennsylvania DHS – Changes Coming to Medicaid in Pennsylvania in January 2027
- Medicaid.gov
- Healthcare.gov – Medicaid & CHIP
CheckMedicaid.com is not affiliated with any government agency. This content is for educational purposes only. For official eligibility, contact your state Medicaid office or visit Medicaid.gov.
