Updates to the Medical Assistance Work Supports Program
In May, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) revised an Operations Memoranda updating the Work Supports program. Originally implemented in February 2020, the Medical Assistance (MA) Work Supports program provides MA recipients with the opportunity to voluntarily participate in employment assistance services offered through PA CareerLink or their Managed Care Organization (MCO). This program was developed to help individuals find training or employment. Services available under the Work Supports program include:
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Help searching and applying for a job
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Job openings in local areas
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Opportunities to explore career interests
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Help with application materials such as a resumé or cover letter
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Help practicing for job interviews
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Help finding training, education, and other programs in local areas
To be eligible for the Work Supports program, you must be age 19 through 49, enrolled in the Medicaid Expansion category of MA, and not be receiving Unemployment Compensation, food stamps (SNAP), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Individuals can use PA CareerLink services online or in person. To create a PA CareerLink account online, go to www.pacareerlink.pa.gov and click “Register”; then click “Individual Seeking Employment.” You will be prompted to enter your name, date of birth, social security number, and MA participant ID number. To find the PA CareerLink office nearest to you, click here.
MA Work Supports Program is not a mandatory program. Individuals may choose to participate and will not be penalized if they choose not to participate.
