Update Your Medicaid Case File to Prevent Loss of Benefits
If you are on Medicaid (Medical Assistance), the most important step you can take right now to protect your benefits is to keep your address, phone number, and other contact information updated with your County Assistance Office (CAO). When your contact information is outdated, you won't receive critical renewal paperwork — and missing that paperwork means you could lose your benefits, even if you're still eligible.
How Do I Update My Case File with Medicaid?
Choose the method that works best for you:
💻 Update Online Through COMPASS
- Log in to your COMPASS account at www.compass.state.pa.us
- Navigate to your profile and confirm or update current address, phone number, and email
- You can also use the myCOMPASS PA app — available on Google Play or the App Store
- Submit your changes and save the confirmation for your records
📞 Update by Phone
Speak directly with a representative who can update your case file over the phone:
- Statewide: 1-877-395-8930
- Philadelphia residents: 215-560-7226
Can I update my address by calling my health plan?
While you can and should make sure your Medicaid health plan has your updated address and/or phone number if you have moved or changed numbers, you still need to update your contact information with your CAO using the instructions above. The CAO and your Medicaid health plan keep separate contact files. Updating your contact information with your health plan does not necessarily carry over to the CAO. Your renewal packet will come from the CAO.
Looking for your renewal packet? Look for the pink envelope!
To make it easier to recognize the arrival of your benefit renewal packet in the mail, DHS has started using large pink envelopes to send out renewal packets. Watch for a large PINK envelope in the mail and submit your renewal online via COMPASS or to your local county assistance office by the due date listed on your packet.
DHS has also created a Renewal Contact Cheat Sheet that lists the communications and letters you should expect to get about your benefits; when they should arrive; and who to contact for help at each stage of the renewal process:
Download the Renewal Contact Cheat Sheet
What if I need language assistance?
You have the right to be served in your preferred language when you deal with the County Assistance Office (CAO). The CAO has a legal responsibility to provide interpreters and translated materials, including notices, renewal packets, and other important info about your benefits, in languages other than Englisha at no cost to you. In addition to your contact information, your Medicaid case file also includes your language preference(s).
If you would like to receive notices and communicate with the CAO in a language other than English, be sure to update that information just like you would report a change in address or phone number.
If you’re having problems with the CAO because they are not providing you with interpretation or notices in the appropriate language, please contact us for help.
