RCPA says DHS is beginning outreach on Medicaid work requirements and preparing for six-month eligibility renewals for Medicaid expansion categories starting in 2027.
DHS outlines upcoming Medicaid outreach
The Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA) reports that Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS) held an August 26 webinar on the state’s implementation of Medicaid changes resulting from H.R. 1. According to RCPA, the webinar covered Medicaid work requirements and more frequent eligibility reviews for people in Medicaid expansion categories.
RCPA says DHS has released a Medicaid Toolkit intended to support outreach and communication. The toolkit is designed to help Pennsylvanians stay current with changes and maintain health coverage, according to RCPA. DHS plans to update the toolkit regularly, RCPA reports.
Mailings for Medicaid expansion recipients
According to RCPA, DHS is beginning formal outreach on Medicaid work requirements for the Medicaid expansion population, as required by H.R. 1. RCPA says the first mailing will go to approximately 700,000 people.
The mailing will be available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Russian, according to RCPA. RCPA reports that mail for the first group of recipients eligible before August 21, 2026, is expected to have entered the mail stream by September 21, 2026.
RCPA says DHS plans monthly mailings for new Medicaid expansion recipients in October, November, December, and January. In 2027, periodic outreach is expected to go to expansion applicants and recipients when they apply and when they renew coverage, according to RCPA.
Calls and texts planned
RCPA reports that automated calling and texting will accompany the mailed outreach beginning in mid-September. The source does not describe the content of the calls or text messages.
The outreach is connected to work requirements affecting the Medicaid expansion population, according to RCPA. RCPA also identifies the Medicaid Toolkit as a resource DHS is using for communication about these changes.
Six-month eligibility renewals
RCPA reports that Section 71107 of H.R. 1 requires more frequent Medicaid eligibility checks for people eligible through Medicaid expansion categories. Beginning January 1, 2027, those individuals will need to have eligibility reviewed through six-month renewals, according to RCPA.
RCPA’s update does not provide further details about how recipients will complete renewals or what information they may be asked to provide. It does indicate that DHS plans outreach at application and renewal in 2027 for expansion applicants and recipients.
What this means for Pennsylvania patients
People seeking treatment locally may want to watch for DHS Medicaid communications and use available coverage information when looking for care. This directory lists 276 published clinics in Pennsylvania.
This is general information, not medical advice.
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