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Are you or a family member enrolled in Medicaid (or MA/Medical Assistance) and/or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)? If so, did you know that starting in April 2023, you must complete a renewal application to see if you still qualify for coverage?
Because many of our Penn Dental Medicine patients are covered by Medicaid or CHIP, we want to ensure you’re aware of this important new requirement so that you keep access to your health coverage. Here’s what you need to know.
The Why, When, How, and What of Medicaid and CHIP Renewals
WHY do I need to renew my application?
During the pandemic, the federal government allowed Pennsylvania and other states to continue Medicaid and CHIP programs so that everyone would keep access to health insurance during this health crisis, even if they weren’t eligible for a program anymore.
This grace period ended on March 31, 2023, and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has returned to pre-pandemic eligibility processes. Now, renewal applications are required from all recipients at the time of their renewal to see if recipients are still eligible for coverage. Even if nothing has changed in your situation, you must submit a renewal application.
WHEN do I need to submit a renewal application?
Starting April 1, 2023, Medicaid and CHIP recipients must submit the application at the time of their renewal. (Your renewal date is personal to you.) You will be notified approximately 90 days before your renewal is due. If you do not complete the application when it’s time for your renewal, you risk losing health insurance coverage.
HOW do I submit a renewal application?
You will receive a renewal packet in the mail approximately 90 days before your renewal date.
You can complete and submit your renewal:
- By mail.
- Online at COMPASS.
- By calling 1-866-550-4355 to talk to a customer service representative.
- In-person at any local county assistance office (CAO).
WHAT if I don’t submit my renewal application or don’t submit it in time?
Unfortunately, your state coverage will end if your application isn’t received by your due date. However, if you complete and submit the renewal up to 90 days after the date Medicaid ends and are still eligible for coverage, it will start again with no coverage gap.
WHAT if I am no longer eligible for coverage or didn’t submit my application in time?
If you are notified that you are no longer eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, or you didn’t submit your application in time, in that case, you will receive information about other available coverage sources, such as PennieⓇ, Pennsylvania’s health and dental insurance marketplace.
Important Note: You must pick a health plan within 60 days of losing medical assistance to avoid a coverage gap.
If you didn’t submit your renewal application in time:
- Enroll for Pennie on the website by creating an account.
- Choose Qualifying Life Event, Loss of Medicaid/Medical Assistance (MA), or CHIP.
- Shop for plans.
If you were told you were no longer eligible for coverage:
- Your account will be transferred to Pennie, where you can find other coverage options.
- You will receive a unique access code for your new Pennie account that has been created for you, along with a pre-filled application.
- You can shop for coverage during a Special Enrollment Period by selecting Loss of Medicaid/Medical Assistance (MA) or CHIP.
WHO can I call if I have questions?
- The Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930.
- Or if you are in Philadelphia, call 215-560-7226.
Call Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
At Penn Dental Medicine, our Priority Is Always You
As you’re going through the renewal process, we wanted to reassure you that if your eligibility changes, we also accept most insurance plans along with Pennsylvania Medicaid and CHIP. And our fees are 50% to 70% less than what other providers charge, so it’s easier to fit the oral care you need into your budget.
So don’t forget to submit your renewal application as soon as you are notified. And get your next dental exam scheduled online or by calling us at 215-898-8965.
