DHS, Partners Launch Effort to Help Residents Keep Medicaid Coverage

Published on November 05, 2026

Leaders highlight outreach campaign, training opportunities, advertising efforts, and community partnerships aimed at helping eligible residents stay covered under new federal requirements

PITTSBURGH - Today, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) joined elected officials, health care leaders, and community partners to highlight a coordinated effort to help Medicaid recipients understand and successfully navigate new federal eligibility requirements that take effect January 1, 2027. 

"Too many people risk losing health coverage -- even if they are working or eligible for exemptions -- simply because they are unaware of new requirements or don't know where to turn for help," said County Executive Sara Innamorato. "Allegheny County and our partners are committed to reaching residents where they are, providing clear information, and ensuring that people who rely on Medicaid have the support they need to remain connected to health care and critical services." 

The new federal Medicaid eligibility requirements, enacted by Congress through the Big Beautiful Bill Act, will require many beneficiaries to complete additional steps to maintain their coverage.  Beneficiaries will now need to re-apply every six months through forms which include several pages of new questions based on the bill’s requirements. 

In response, DHS has partnered with health care providers and community organizations to implement a robust public awareness and education campaign designed to reach residents through multiple trusted channels. 

Key outreach initiatives include: 

  • Neighborhood Outreach:  DHS is partnering with the UPMC Neighborhood Outreach Center to provide training for front-line staff of grassroots community organizations in how to assist people in navigating the state’s online system for managing their Medicaid accounts.  The organizations will then hold community “Office Hours” to provide technical assistance and advice in their communities. 

  • Town Hall Events:  A series of community town halls, the first of which took place on October 28, where residents and providers can learn about the changes, ask questions, and receive guidance on the steps they may need to take to retain coverage.   

  • Medicaid Resources & Information Toolkit:  The development of a comprehensive communications toolkit that health care providers, community-based organizations, and other partners can use to share information with clients, patients, and community networks. 

  • Online Advertising Campaign: Paid online advertising campaigns raising awareness of the need for Medicaid recipients to take action and directing residents to information and resources about maintaining their coverage. [Appendix A] 

  • Direct Outreach to Medicaid Recipients: Text-based outreach to notify Medicaid recipients and their direct service workers when the Medicaid recipients have upcoming renewal dates.  

"Helping people maintain their coverage is a community-wide effort," said Alex Jutca, Director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. "By working with trusted partners and providing practical tools, training, and information, we can help ensure that eligible residents understand what's changing and know that they are not alone in navigating these changes.  DHS and our network of providers are here to help anyone in need of assistance.”  

Speakers at today's event included State Representative Aerion Abney, Heather Sedlacko, Executive Director of PA211 Southwest - United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Joe Glinka, Director of Pennsylvania HealthChoices at Highmark Wholecare, and Brendan Harris, President of UPMC for You and State Programs at UPMC.  Community partners emphasized the importance of coordinated outreach given the significant number of Allegheny County residents who rely on Medicaid for access to health care services. 

"United Way's PA 211 Southwest contact center is ready to help people navigate what may be a confusing and stressful time. Our compassionate resource navigators know how Medicaid requirements are changing and can connect you to organizations to help you navigate this process. We're also asking Medicaid benefits-related questions of everyone who calls 211 so that we can identify people who may not realize they are affected. We are working with trusted partners to ensure that people we refer in Allegheny County get the assistance they need," said PA 211 Executive Director Heather Sedlacko. "We ask that 211 callers please be patient. You may experience longer wait times because so many people are reaching out right now."    

Residents seeking information about Medicaid eligibility changes and resources available to help maintain coverage can visit qr.alleghenycounty.us/MedicaidResources.

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Media inquiries for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services should be sent to Cydney Cooper at cydney.cooper@alleghenycounty.us.

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