Creating Healthier Communities Toolkit
Help Philadelphians Stay Connected to Support
As a valued provider, stakeholder, and/or partner, you play a vital role in helping Medicaid members maintain their health and well-being. One of the most important ways we can support our communities right now is by ensuring individuals and families keep their health insurance coverage.
CBH has developed a set of resources to help Medicaid-eligible residents stay informed and connected to coverage. These materials are designed for distribution by providers and stakeholders like you to patients and clients who may be at risk of losing their insurance.
Together, we can ensure continued access to care and help build healthier communities across Philadelphia.
How Can A Person Apply or Reapply for Medicaid?
- Online via COMPASS: compass.state.pa.us
- Phone: 1-866-550-4355 for the Customer Service Center for Health Care Coverage
- Be prepared to experience wait times when making calls or visiting your CAO. Remember, access to reliable, quality health care is worth the wait.
- In Person: Visit your local CAO
- Mail: Download application form PA 600 HC and mail it to your local CAO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I Covered By Medicaid?
Call the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) customer service center to find out if you are actively enrolled in Medicaid.
Be prepared to be placed on hold when calling. Remember, access to reliable, quality health care is worth the wait.
- Statewide Customer Service Center – 1-877-395-8930
- Philadelphia Customer Service Center – 1-215-560-7226
- You can also visit compass.state.pa.us to view your coverage information via the PA COMPASS portal.
I've Applied for Medicaid. How Can I Check My Application?
Users can check the status of their application at any time without needing to log in to their PA COMPASS account at trackmybenefits.pa.gov.
How Will I Know If I’ve Been Denied Coverage Or If My Coverage Was Terminated?
- You will receive a notice from PA DHS at the last address on record, stating that you were denied Medicaid or that your coverage was terminated.
- If you don’t know if you received a notice, or if your address may have changed recently, call the PA DHS Customer Service Centers or visit dhs.pa.gov to find out if you have active Medicaid coverage.
- Your health care provider may tell you that your Medicaid coverage is inactive when you schedule an appointment.
- Visit your local County Assistance Office (CAO) and ask a representative.
What Can I Do If I Was Denied Medicaid Coverage Or If My Coverage Was Recently Terminated?
You can appeal the decision by requesting a fair hearing. A fair hearing allows is a formal process where individuals can appeal decisions made by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) related to their Medicaid benefits. For more information about fair hearings and appeals visit http://www.pa.gov/services/dhs/hearings-and-appeals-dhs
- The notice you received in the mail from PA DHS stating that you were denied Medicaid or that your coverage was terminated will include information about how to file an appeal or fair hearing.
- You can request a fair hearing by calling the PA DHS Customer Service Center (877-395-8930) You have a limited amount of time to do so. Request a fair hearing and ask for an explanation of why you were denied or terminated from Medicaid coverage. Be prepared to be placed on hold when calling.
- Visit your local County Assistance Office to request a fair hearing or appeal.
- Call the Pennsylvania Health Law Project Helpline at 1-800-274-3258 for additional assistance.
If the deadline for requesting an appeal or fair hearing has passed, you can reapply for benefits.
I Am a CBH Provider, How Can I Help My Clients Maintain Their Coverage?
For CBH Providers, please refer to this page, as it is updated regularly. CBH Providers can also sign up for the twice-weekly CBH Provider News Blast for the latest toolkits and resources from CBH.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) also maintains the Human Services Helpers Newsletter, which shares updates and resources about benefits and supports that may affect your clients’ access to benefits.
I'm Worried About Losing My Medicaid Coverage, What Can I Do?
The best thing you can do is make sure your address and phone number are up to date with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services so they can send you important information about your coverage.
You can update your information by contacting the Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 or 1-215-560-7226 in Philadelphia, or updating it online through your PA COMPASS account.
Where can I get help with Medicare Benefits?
Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) offers free Medicare counseling to older Pennsylvanians. PA MEDI Counselors are specially trained to answer your questions and provide you with objective, easy-to-understand information about Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care Insurance. The PA MEDI Helpline is available at 1-800-783-7067 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The PA Link can provide assistance to individuals with disabilities and older adults aged 60-64 who require services and support.
Stay up to date with the latest announcements, bulletins, procurements, and trainings.
Sign up for the CBH Provider News Blast ➔
Shareable Resources
Flyers/Posters
Palm Cards
Additional Resources
Public assistance programs are changing. Make sure that you’re aware of the tools available to help connect residents to support.
- PA COMPASS is an online system where people can apply for, renew, and manage benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance. Help to make sure that your clients keep their information up to date using the PA COMPASS site or mobile apps.
- My Benefits Status Tracker will show applicants and clients the current status of their public benefits application in real-time.
- SNAP Work Requirement Screening Tool Users can determine if they’re required to meet SNAP work requirements or are exempt.
- The Human Services Helpers program sends alerts about the latest changes to public assistance programs and provides communications toolkits for providers.
myCOMPASS PA is a service of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Community Behavioral Health does not operate the DHS website and COMPASS app.
Please note: This page and its contents are for informational purposes only. Information may have changed since publication. For the most current and accurate guidance about Medicaid coverage, individuals should contact their local County Assistance Office or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
