Wolf Abandons Corbett's Medicaid Plan

Pennsylvania will transition to a simple traditional Medicaid expansion plan, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday, rather than the “Healthy PA” plan proposed by former Gov. Tom Corbett.

“Today is the first step toward simplifying a complicated process and ensuring hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians have greater access to the health insurance they need,” Wolf said Monday. “Our approach will alleviate confusion, remove unnecessary red tape, and streamline the system so that people can see a doctor when they are sick and health care professionals have more time to concentrate on providing quality care.”

According to the Governor’s Office:

Who qualifies for coverage under Medicaid expansion?

In addition to individuals who qualified previously, Pennsylvanians ages 19 to 64 with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may be eligible for coverage under Medicaid expansion.

How does Medicaid expansion differ from Healthy PA?

Medicaid expansion will allow for eligible adults to be placed into one streamlined Adult package. This will increase continuity of care and reduce unnecessary processes to make individuals eligible for uncomplicated health care coverage faster.

What does this mean for individuals who are in the Private Coverage Option?

The department is currently working on a plan to transition individuals into one streamlined Adult package without interruption to their coverage and services.

What will happen to the Healthy and Healthy Plus benefit packages?

The department is currently working with the federal government to develop one benefit package for adults. Once that has been finalized, adults in Healthy and Healthy Plus will be transitioned to the new Adult package.

What kind of coverage will be provided?

Medicaid coverage meets national standards for coverage. This includes primary care doctors, preventative care, prescriptions and behavioral health parity.

Who will pay for the expansion?

Federal funds will cover 100 percent of the cost of Medicaid expansion for 2014 to 2016, 95 percent in 2017, 94 percent in 2018, 93 percent in 2019 and 90 percent in 2020 and subsequent years.

What do I need to do if I am already covered under Healthy PA?

If you are already covered, you coverage will remain unaffected at this time and you do not have to do anything at this time. As Pennsylvania transitions to the new comprehensive adult package, the Department of Human Services will notify you of any changes prior to those changes taking effect.

What do I do if I want to apply for Health Insurance?

If you do not have health care coverage, you can apply online at www.compass.state.pa.us.

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