Pennsylvania Medicaid: apply for Medical Assistance and track it
Medicaid is called Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania and is administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS). Start through COMPASS or choose a phone, mail or County Assistance Office option. Applications are accepted throughout the year.
What this guide helps you do
- Where it applies
- Pennsylvania · Medicaid
- Your next action
- Prepare an application, respond to requests and identify your next action.
- Who decides
- This guide explains a process. The responsible agency decides eligibility, amounts and deadlines for your case.
Start here
Open COMPASS and choose Medical Assistance. Already applied? Find your confirmation and check My Benefits Status Tracker.
Who this guide is for
Pennsylvania residents seeking coverage for themselves or family. DHS reviews income and other rules by category; resources count in some cases. Mention children, pregnancy, disability, Medicare or long-term-care needs. An adult’s result does not determine a child’s result.
Have these ready if available
- Names, dates of birth and current contact details.
- Recent income records, payment frequency and information about self-employment, if applicable.
- Current health insurance and Medicare information.
- Identity and citizenship or immigration information required for the people applying; ask the CAO about missing evidence.
- Existing application number and notices. For long-term care, ask which financial records and care assessment are needed.
Your steps
Name the coverage you need
Ask for Medical Assistance. Tell DHS who is applying and whether disability, pregnancy, Medicare or long-term care is involved.
Choose an application route
Apply through COMPASS, call 1-866-550-4355, or use paper or in-person help from a County Assistance Office (CAO). The official application page links the current paper forms.
Complete the requested sections
Use the form’s household and income instructions. Ask for free language help rather than guessing what a question means.
Submit and save proof
Sign as required and complete submission. Save the confirmation, application number and date. For paper or telephone applications, ask how receipt is confirmed.
Follow any request for proof
Send exactly what the notice asks for by its deadline through the official route. If a document is unavailable, contact the CAO before the due date.
Track progress without a COMPASS account
My Benefits Status Tracker can show status, an appointment and possible missing documents. Enter details that match DHS records exactly. If nothing appears, ask your CAO to find the application.
Read the decision
Check each person’s result, coverage dates and plan instructions. If you disagree, follow the eligibility appeal steps below before the deadline.
After you apply
If approved, keep the notice and follow the instructions for using coverage or choosing a health plan. If denied, ask about the reason, appeal rights and other coverage options. Keep responding to later notices.
If you get stuck
Call the CAO or the Customer Service Center: 1-877-395-8930; in Philadelphia, 215-560-7226. Ask: “Was my application received? What is still missing, and when is it due?” Use the language-help contact on your notice if needed.
If something gets in the way
A requested document is missing
Ask your CAO what alternative it can accept or verify. Explain your attempts before the deadline. Keep the request and proof of anything sent.
I cannot understand the letter
Find the case number and deadline, then call the language-help number on the notice. DHS provides interpretation and translation free of charge.
The tracker shows an appointment
Check which program or assessment it concerns; do not assume every Medicaid application needs an interview. Ask the CAO how to attend or reschedule and request an interpreter in advance.
Income, address or family details changed
Update DHS through COMPASS or the CAO. Ask which people’s records need changing and keep confirmation.
The tracker shows nothing or I have no answer
A missing match is not a denial. Check the entered details, then ask the CAO to confirm receipt and the next action. The tracker’s typical review estimate is not a guaranteed deadline for every category.
After you apply: keep the process moving
Keep the receipt
Save the application number, date and any upload or delivery confirmation in one private folder.
Keep your contact details current
Confirm DHS has an address or other contact arrangement where you receive notices. Use the CAO for case questions.
Confirm any requested appointment
Write down the program, date and method. If you cannot attend, contact the CAO promptly to ask about rescheduling.
Check that proof arrived
Review missing-document information and ask whether the CAO received each item. A successful upload does not mean the agency has finished reviewing it.
Act on the renewal notice
Keep your due date and follow the renewal instructions. COMPASS offers renewals; ask the CAO for help if online renewal is difficult.
Appeal an eligibility decision
A CAO eligibility decision generally has a 30-day appeal period from the date of written notice. Use the hearing instructions and destination in your notice and keep proof. Ask immediately about an earlier deadline to keep current coverage. Different rules can apply if notice was missing, the agency delayed or made an administrative error. A health-plan service denial uses its own notice and procedure.
Common questions
Can I apply for long-term care by phone?
Yes. The Consumer Service Center accepts long-term-care and home and community-based services applications at 1-866-550-4355; this option started June 16, 2025. Financial and care-needs reviews still apply.
Do I need a COMPASS account to track the application?
No. My Benefits Status Tracker does not require one. The head-of-household details must match DHS records; ask the CAO if no result appears.
Is there one Medicaid income or asset limit?
No. Rules differ by category. Children, pregnancy, disability, Medicare-cost help and long-term care need the appropriate review.
Can I request help in my language?
Yes. Use the language-help number on your DHS notice. If you cannot find it, the DHS Language Services page explains how to contact the Bureau of Equal Opportunity.
Official sources
- DHS — Apply for Medicaid and renewal linksSources checked: 2026-09-13
- DHS — Applications, including long-term care by phoneSources checked: 2026-09-13
- DHS — Medicaid eligibility categoriesSources checked: 2026-09-13
- DHS — Track an applicationSources checked: 2026-09-13
- DHS — County Assistance OfficesSources checked: 2026-09-13
- DHS — Language servicesSources checked: 2026-09-13
- Pennsylvania Code 275.3 — Appeal deadlinesSources checked: 2026-09-13
- HealthCare.gov — Medicaid and CHIPSources checked: 2026-09-13
- COMPASS — Application and renewal portal (limited access)Sources checked: 2026-09-13
- My Benefits Status Tracker (JavaScript required; limited access)Sources checked: 2026-09-13