COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Extended Again

On October 13, 2022, the federal COVID-related Public Health Emergency (PHE) was extended for another 90 days through January 11, 2023.  The federal Department of Health and Human Services has previously stated it will give states 60-days’ notice of the end of the PHE (i.e., if the PHE is not going to be extended again).

During the PHE, Pennsylvania has continued Medicaid (Medical Assistance) coverage for most individuals who were enrolled in Medicaid at the start of the pandemic or who have joined Medicaid since the pandemic began. The extension of the PHE means these maintenance of eligibility provisions from the Families First Coronavirus Response Act remain in effect until at least January 31, 2023 (the end of the month in which the next PHE is set to end). The Biden Administration has promised to give states at least 60 days’ notice prior to the end of the PHE, so if the federal government has not announced an end to the PHE by mid-November 2022, we can expect it will issue another extension in January. 

When the PHE ends, Pennsylvania is expected to terminate Medicaid coverage for people who no longer meet eligibility criteria, as well as people who do not complete their renewal packets. If you are enrolled in Medicaid, it is important to update your contact information with the County Assistance Office (CAO) so you can receive correspondence, including your renewal packet. You can do so on the COMPASS website, on the myCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 (in Philadelphia, call 215-560-7226). You will also have the option to sign up for text alerts related to your renewal.  

PHLP will continue to keep consumers and their advocates informed of any updates around the PHE as we learn them.