Due to new federal laws, Medicaid changes are coming and will affect a significant number of Philadelphians.<\/p>\n
Some groups will experience changes on October 1, 2026; further changes are coming on January 1, 2027.<\/p>\n
One Philly Medicaid Access is raising awareness of Medicaid changes so Philadelphians can prepare to keep health coverage for themselves and their families.
Three big things everyone can do to prepare:<\/p>\n
Make sure your address is up to date with PA DHS. Don\u2019t miss any important information about your benefits. Log in to COMPASS at dhs.pa.gov\/compass to report changes. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) is the source for the most up-to-date information on Medicaid changes.<\/p>\n Jump to:<\/p>\n Who is affected?<\/p>\n 645,000 Philadelphians are on Medicaid, but many don\u2019t know it. Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) Family Key dates<\/p>\n October 1, 2026: Medical Assistance for noncitizens ends Medical Assistance for noncitizens ending (starting Oct. 1, 2026)<\/p>\n What we know<\/p>\n The County Assistance Office needs a copy of immigrants\u2019 green cards. Resources if you\u2019re worried about losing coverage on October 1, 2026:<\/p>\n Work requirements: What they are, how you can fulfill them (starting Jan. 1, 2027)<\/p>\n Some adults ages 19-64 who don\u2019t have a dependent child under 14 years old will need to show they are meeting work requirements and report to DHS.<\/p>\n You can meet work requirements by doing at least 80 hours a month of the following options:<\/p>\n Working<\/p>\n A job Education<\/p>\n High school Job training<\/p>\n Approved program to help find, prepare for or keep a job Volunteering or community service<\/p>\n
\nReport address changes to USPS. Keep your address up to date with the United States Postal Service so mail about your benefits can reach you. Visit USPS.com\/move.
\nSign up for texts and email. Log in to COMPASS to receive updates, reminders, and alerts about your benefits. Opt in at dhs.pa.gov\/text<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n183,000 Philadelphians are part of the Medicaid Expansion group, which will experience most of the change\u2014unless they have a documented disability or dependents under age 14.
\nThe following health plans are Pennsylvania Medicaid plans. If you have one of these plans, you are receiving Medicaid and may be affected by these changes.<\/p>\n
\nJefferson Health Plans EverWell (formerly Health Partners Plans Medicaid)
\nKeystone First
\nUnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Pennsylvania
\nUPMC for You<\/p>\n
\nJanuary 1, 2027: Work requirements
\nJanuary 1, 2027: Eligibility renewals every six months<\/p>\n
\nRules will not change for children under 21 and adults who are pregnant or up to 12 months postpartum.
\nIf you\u2019re losing coverage, get medical care, refill prescriptions and get medical equipment before Oct. 1.<\/p>\n
\nSelf-employment
\nOwning a business
\nIndependent contractor (gig) work
\nUnpaid work or work in exchange for goods or services<\/p>\n
\nGED programs
\nCommunity college
\nFour-year college or university
\nGraduate schools
\nCareer or technical school<\/p>\n
\nIncludes certain federal, state, local and veterans\u2019 employment and training programs
\nPrograms that focus mostly on job search may not count<\/p>\n