Pennsylvania begins Medicaid work requirement notices

Key Points:

• Pennsylvania is notifying over 700,000 Medicaid expansion recipients about new federal work requirements mandating at least 80 hours of work or volunteering monthly to maintain coverage starting January.
• The state Department of Human Services is urging affected individuals to update their contact information via the MYCOMPASS PA app or phone and check for possible exemptions to the new rules.
• Philadelphia officials, where about 183,000 people are impacted, are coordinating with nonprofits, healthcare providers, and city agencies to raise awareness and provide resources to help residents navigate the changes.
• The city has established working groups to assist with enrollment, eligibility paperwork, and creating pathways to meet work requirements, while also preparing for increased demand on emergency and mental health services.
• Local partners like Community Legal Services and BenePhilly are supporting residents with documentation and social services, aiming to mitigate stress and potential negative impacts from losing Medicaid coverage.