With the passage of H.R.1 and the release of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Interim Final Rule on Medicaid Work and Community Engagement Requirements released on June 1, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) rolled out a new webpage dedicated to help prepare Pennsylvanians for the coming changes.
These changes affect approximately 750,000 Pennsylvanians enrolled in the Medicaid Expansion program. Beginning January 1, 2027, recipients will need to verify their eligibility and renew every six months instead of annually. In addition, some adults who do not have a dependent child under 14 years old must show that they are meeting the work and community engagement requirements.
To meet the work and community engagement requirements, recipients must work, volunteer, do community service, participate in a work training program, go to school at least part time, or do one or a combo of these for at least 80 hours a month. The requirement can also be met if recipients make at least $580 each month.
There are several exemptions from these requirements including parents/caretakers of a child under 4, pregnant or postpartum for up to one year, in treatment for alcohol/substance use disorder, and totally disabled veterans, just to name a few.