Pennsylvania Medicaid work requirement

Pennsylvania Medical Assistance expansion adults ages 19–64 who do not have a dependent child under 14 years old and are not otherwise exempt. Requirements apply at application (1-month look-back) and at each 6-month renewal. In 2027, most activities and exemptions can be self-attested. Starting in 2028, documentation will be required.

• Work 80+ hours/month (paid or unpaid, including self-employment or work for goods/services)
• Community service / volunteering at a public or non-profit organization — 80+ hours/month
• Participation in an approved job training or workforce program — 80+ hours/month
• Enrollment in an educational program at least half-time (high school, GED, community college, vocational, or four-year college)
• Any combination of the above totaling 80+ hours/month
• Income ≥ $580/month (federal minimum wage × 80 hours) — regardless of hours tracked; seasonal workers may average $580/month over the prior 6 months

• Pregnant or less than 12 months postpartum (regardless of pregnancy outcome)
• Primary caregiver of a child 13 years old or younger
• Primary caregiver of a disabled individual
• Medically frail or living with a disability that significantly limits ability to work
• American Indian / Alaska Native (AI/AN)
• Former foster youth who aged out of foster care
• Veteran with total disability rating (VA)
• Household receiving TANF where work rules already apply
• Household receiving SNAP where SNAP work rules already apply
• Enrolled in or recently completed a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program
• Currently incarcerated or released from incarceration within the prior 3 months

Caring for a child 13 or younger, or for a person with a disability, is usually an exemption. Caregiving hours are not counted toward the 80 hours.

In 2027, most activities and exemptions can be self-attested (no documentation needed). Paid work must still be verified with pay stubs. Starting in 2028, documentation will be required for all activities. Report through your renewal/application, via COMPASS, the myCOMPASS PA app, by mail, or by calling 877-395-8930.

• Visit pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/medicaid/medicaid-changes for the official PA DHS Medicaid Changes page
• Keep your contact information current with PA DHS (877-395-8930)
• Create or sign in to your COMPASS account at compass.state.pa.us or download the myCOMPASS PA app
• Start tracking work, volunteer, education, or training hours each month now
• In 2027 you can self-attest most exemptions; in 2028 documentation will be required — start building your records now
• Report life changes (pregnancy, disability, household changes) promptly

• PA DHS — Medicaid Changes
• PA DHS — Medicaid Changes FAQ
• COMPASS (PA benefits portal)

Sources: Pennsylvania DHS (pa.gov/agencies/dhs). CMS IFC CMS-2454-IFC. Self-attestation accepted in 2027; docs required in 2028.

Last checked September 2026.