How to Apply for Medicaid in Pennsylvania in 2026

Quick Summary

• Apply through your state Medicaid agency or HealthCare.gov.
• Eligibility is based on income, household size, and category.
• Have proof of income, identity, and residency ready.
• Check and renew your coverage on your state portal.
• Use official government sites only.

What are you trying to do?

In Pennsylvania, Medicaid is called Medical Assistance. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income residents. Here is how to apply for Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania in 2026.

2026 Medicaid Work Requirement Update (New Federal Rule)

Under an interim final rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on June 1, 2026 — required by the 2025 federal budget law — most adults ages 19–64 in the Medicaid adult (expansion) group must meet a monthly “community engagement” (work) requirement to keep coverage. Here is what is confirmed so far:

• 80 hours per month of qualifying activities: a job, self-employment, approved work or job-training programs, community service, or being enrolled at least half-time in school.
• Or earn at least $580 per month (80 times the federal minimum wage) from work.
• Timing: CMS issued the interim final rule on June 1, 2026. States must generally implement the requirement no later than January 1, 2027, though a state may choose an earlier date. The actual effective date and procedures vary by state — confirm implementation status with your state Medicaid agency.

Who is generally exempt: people who are pregnant or postpartum; under 19 or age 65 and older; enrolled in Medicare; medically frail or disabled; American Indian or Alaska Native; a parent or caregiver of a young child or a person with a disability; a veteran with a total disability rating; or already meeting SNAP or TANF work rules. Exact rules vary by state. See our Medicaid work requirement exemptions guide.

What to do now: confirm how your state will apply the rule, keep records of your work or activity hours, and report any changes on time. Check details with your state Medicaid agency, the Medicaid.gov community engagement page, or the CMS fact sheet.

Last verified August 11, 2026 against CMS and Medicaid.gov primary sources. General information, not legal advice — GlobalBenefits.org is not a government agency. Confirm current rules with your state Medicaid agency before acting.

Who is eligible

Medical Assistance eligibility is based mainly on household income and size, following the same core rules as Medicaid eligibility nationwide. Children, pregnant Pennsylvanians, families, seniors, and people with disabilities may qualify, and many adults qualify under the low-income expansion. Because income limits depend on your household, confirm the current figure at the official source below and review what counts as income and the general Medicaid income limits.

How to apply

The Department of Human Services offers several ways to apply:

1. Online – through COMPASS (compass.dhs.pa.gov), the state benefits portal.
2. By phone – call 1-866-550-4355.
3. By mail – complete the Pennsylvania Application for Benefits (PA 600) and mail it to your local county assistance office (forms are available in several languages).
4. In person – at your local County Assistance Office (CAO).

Applying is free – never pay a third party to apply.

Documents you will need

• Proof of identity and Pennsylvania residency.
• Income information (pay stubs, benefit letters).
• Social Security numbers and immigration or status information for applicants.
• Household and tax-filing details.

After you apply

Your County Assistance Office reviews your application and may request more information – respond quickly. Track it with the Medicaid application status guide, and see when Medicaid coverage starts. Children who do not qualify may be covered through CHIP, and people who also have Medicare should read about dual eligibility. For a broader overview of state programs, see the Pennsylvania benefits guide.

If you have an urgent medical need

If you had a recent medical emergency, ask about retroactive coverage and Emergency Medicaid while your application is processed.

Tips

• Apply even if you are unsure – the County Assistance Office makes the final determination.
• Keep copies of everything you submit and note your record number.
• Report changes in income or household promptly; if needed, report an income change.
• Renew on time each year – see how to renew your Medicaid coverage – to avoid a gap.

What to do next

Gather your documents and apply through COMPASS or your County Assistance Office today. Coverage can start quickly once you are approved. Comparing states? See how to apply in California and Texas.

Official source

Learn about Medical Assistance and apply through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services at pa.gov/agencies/dhs, the COMPASS portal at compass.dhs.pa.gov, and medicaid.gov. Applying is free.

Frequently asked questions

What is Medical Assistance?

Medical Assistance is Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program. It provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income Pennsylvania residents.

Where do I apply?

Online through COMPASS, by phone at 1-866-550-4355, by mail with the PA 600 form, or in person at your local County Assistance Office. Applying is free.

What documents do I need?

Proof of identity, Pennsylvania residency, income, and Social Security numbers or immigration information for applicants. Have household and tax details ready.

What to Do Next

Ready to act? Applying, checking status, and getting help are free through the official agency – you never pay a third party. Gather what you need, apply or respond early, and keep copies of everything you submit.

Official Pennsylvania benefit sites

These are official government sites. Links open in a new tab. GlobalBenefits.org is not a government agency and does not process applications.

Related guides

• Medicaid application guide
• Documents for Medicaid
• Pennsylvania SNAP
• Check what you qualify for
• Documents you need to apply

Written by Jin Daewoo, founder and editor at GlobalBenefits.org. First published July 5, 2026. Last reviewed July 25, 2026. Guides on GlobalBenefits.org prioritize official U.S. federal and state government sources and are reviewed regularly for accuracy.