HONESDALE, PA— Effective April 1, 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. They lend a helping hand to those who need assistance submitting paperwork; help searching for an alternative healthcare plan through Pennsylvania’s official health and dental insurance marketplace, Pennie; and aid in applying for WMCHC’s sliding-fee program.

During the public health emergency 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 health- care coverage. Now, everyone with MA or who participates in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (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,” said Rebecca Mead, Outreach & Enrollment coordinator at WMCHC. Mead reported the health centers are seeing a number of uninsured children, and she urged 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 it’s time for individual renewals. Updates can be done through the DHS website, COMPASS - DHS.pa.gov; by downloading the MyCOMPASS free mobile app; or by calling 877/395-8930. 

Additionally, Mead said, “we are happy to guide anyone needing assistance through the process... You do not have to be a Wayne Memorial patient to utilize any of our free services.”

Contact the WMCHC outreach and enrollment office, which is located at 630 Park St., by calling either 570/251-6569 or 570/251-6554. Appointments are offered between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Visit www.wmchc.net for more information about affordable and accessible care.