HR1 Information
Per Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS)
Starting January 1, 2027, a new federal law (Federal H.R.1.) will change the rules for those who can get Medical Assistance (MA)/Medicaid. To get or keep MA health coverage, many adults ages 19 to 64 will need to provide information they are meeting work requirements or meet an exemption.
Changes coming to Medicaid in Pennsylvania in 2027
For more information, call the HR1 FAQ Line at 1-877-883-6383.
3 major changes that will affect some Medicaid applicants and recipients
Starting January 1, 2027, some adults ages 19-64 will need to have their Medicaid eligibility checked by completing a renewal every six months instead of every year.
For example, if you apply for Medicaid on or after January 1, 2027, you will have to renew your Medicaid in six months. If your coverage begins in January 2027, you will complete a Medicaid renewal in July 2027.
If you are currently on Medicaid, the current renewal date will not be shortened until after your next renewal. For example, if your next Medicaid renewal is due in March 2027, you will renew it again in September 2027.
Starting January 1, 2027, some adults ages 19-64 who do not have a dependent child under 14 years old must show that they are meeting work requirements. This will be reviewed during application, renewal, and when an individual becomes eligible for Medicaid expansion between renewals. If you must meet the requirement but do not follow the new rules or report to PA DHS, you will lose Medicaid coverage.
Some people may be exempt from the requirement. Read more about potential exemptions.
Starting January 1, 2027, retroactive Medicaid coverage timeframes will decrease for Medicaid applicants. Retroactive coverage is for medical expenses that occurred prior to the month of application. Retroactive coverage can currently be approved for up to three months prior to the month of application for Medicaid.
As of January 1, retroactive coverage windows will shorten to the following:
- One month for Medicaid expansion adults (age 19-64)
- Two months for all other Medicaid recipients
3 steps to prepare for these changes
Log in to COMPASS at dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS or the myCOMPASS PA mobile app to check and update an address and other contact information. If you need additional assistance, contact your County Assistance Office (CAO) for your county of residence.
- Bedford County: 1-800-542-8584
- Bucks County: 1-800-362-1291
- Cambria County: 1-877-315-0389
- Lehigh County: 1-877-223-5956
- Montgomery County: 1-877-398-5571
- Northampton County: 1-800-349-5122
- Somerset County: 1-800-248-1607
If you updated your address in COMPASS, you also need to report address changes to the US Postal Service to ensure you receive mail from PA DHS. Visit USPS.com/move to update an address.
Visit dhs.pa.gov/text to sign up for texts and emails to get even faster notifications about benefits.