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CHIP Transition

Apr 11, 2023

Starting April 17, 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) will be deciding who qualifies for CHIP. This will include both new applications and renewals.

This means that the current 130,000 CHIP families and all new enrollees will need to go through DHS instead of their CHIP health insurance plan to determine eligibility.

What will change for CHIP families?

CHIP applications and renewals will be processed by caseworkers in local DHS County Assistance Offices.
Information about who qualifies for CHIP will come from DHS. This will include notices, requests for proof of income and/or citizenship, and renewal packets.
Information on how to appeal a decision about who qualifies for CHIP will come from DHS.
The Unique Family Identifier (UFI) number that is used to identify a household by the CHIP health insurance companies will be changed to a record number by DHS.
DHS made improvements for completing online applications and renewals through the COMPASS website at pa.gov/COMPASS and the COMPASS PA mobile app.

What will NOT change for CHIP families

A child’s current CHIP health insurance plan
A child’s CHIP health insurance benefits or services

CHIP families should expect to receive a welcome letter from DHS with their new record number and other details surrounding this new process in early April.

Questions?

Check out the attached CHIP Fact Sheet from our friends at Pennsylvania Partnerships For Children.

Questions about DHS’ new process for applying and renewing CHIP coverage can be addressed by calling the Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 or 1-215-560-7226 in Philadelphia.

CHIP families should still contact their CHIP health insurance plan with questions about health insurance benefits, providers, and premiums.

Attend a Community Budget Meeting

Philadelphia students cannot afford fewer teachers or other support staff. City Council can vote to prevent those cuts. Speak up on behalf of students! Attend one (or more) of the upcoming public events and tell councilmembers, “No cuts to schools!” Sign Up, Show Up, Speak Up because Our Kids Are Worth It. Need help with your testimony? Check out our testimony as well as these talking points. We can also help – reachout to frangyp@childrenfirstpa.org. Click the image to download a PDF that you can share.

Postcards: Print, Sign & Share

These postcards are available for your community group or organization to print and share with your members. Postcards can be dropped off to 990 Spring Garden Street, Suite 600 or you can scan and send to info@childrenfirstpa.org. We also have printed postcards available to pick up at our office. Click the image to download a PDF that you can share.

Lower Travel Costs! Options are available.

The Mayor’s proposed tax on ride share companies will protect public schools and ensure students have the resources they deserve. If ride share companies choose to pass these costs directly onto riders, there are options for individuals with disabilities to help lower their travel costs. Click the image to download a PDF that you can share.