Wayne Memorial Outreach & Enrollment Offers Assistance as Medicaid Continuous Coverage Nears End

Wayne Memorial Outreach & Enrollment Offers Assistance as Medicaid Continuous Coverage Nears End

Honesdale, PA (February 27, 2023)— Effective April 1, 2023 federal law mandates an end to what is referred to as the “Continuous Coverage Requirement” for individuals – including children – who receive Medical Assistance (MA) benefits. Outreach and Enrollment Specialists at Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC) are prepared for a busy year lending a helping hand to those who either need assistance submitting paperwork, searching for an alternative healthcare plan through Pennsylvania’s official health and dental insurance marketplace, Pennie ® and applying for WMCHC’s sliding fee program.

During the Public Health Emergency (PHE) triggered by COVID, the Department of Human Services (DHS) did not require annual paperwork for MA coverage to continue. Therefore, those who either failed to complete their renewal or had a change in income were not at risk of losing healthcare coverage. Now, everyone with MA or CHIP will be required to submit an annual renewal to determine if they still meet eligibility.

“We don’t want to see anyone go without coverage from not signing up for MA, CHIP or a new affordable insurance during this unwinding process,” stated Rebecca Mead, Outreach & Enrollment coordinator, WMCHC. Mead reported the health centers are seeing a good number of uninsured children and urges parents to contact her to “get their kids covered.”

DHS is encouraging every MA recipient to act now to be certain their phone number, email and mailing address are current instead of waiting until individual renewals grow closer. Updates can be done through the DHS website COMPASS – DHS.pa.gov, by downloading the MyCOMPASS  free mobile app or calling 1-877-395-8930. Additionally, Mead says “we are happy to guide anyone needing assistance through the process.” Adding, “You do not have to be a Wayne Memorial patient to utilize any of our free services.”

Contact the WMCHC Outreach and Enrollment office located at 630 Park Street, Honesdale by calling either 570-251-6569 or 570-251-6554. Appointments are offered between 7 am and 6 pm. Visit www.wmchc.net for more information about affordable and accessible care.

Photo: Rebecca Mead, Outreach & Enrollment coordinator, WMCHC