RCPA Shares Updates on DHS H.R. 1 Committee, Eligibility, and SNAP Requirements

As the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) continues to provide updates on the H.R. 1 implementation, the PA Department of Human Services (DHS) has provided some updated information and guidance on their activities outlining the state’s plan for compliance by January 1, 2027.

DHS H.R. 1 Steering Committee

As previously reported, DHS has created an H.R. 1 Steering Committee, which was initially thought to be the group tasked with oversight of implementation and stakeholder feedback as the state seeks to finalize their policies and practices to support implementation of the Medicaid eligibility and community engagement requirements.

The first meeting yielded a slide deck outlining the timeframes for implementation, and RCPA has created a one-page timeline for Medicaid change implementation.

It was reported this week at the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC)meeting that the DHS H.R. 1 Steering Committee will be responsible for reporting out of activities but will not serve as a work group. RCPA CEO and President Richard Edley, a member of the Steering Committee, questioned the lack of stakeholder engagement, with an emphasis on the need for a group that can provide critical feedback to DHS. The hope is the MAAC and its various subcommittees can function as this forum.

Eligibility Redeterminations

CMS has released guidance to the States relating to the eligibility standards with two separate options for implementation timelines: either beginning all new redetermination effective January 1, 2027, or redetermination will occur at the natural expiration of the current expansion enrollees’ eligibility in 2027.

Our partners at the National Council have provided the following resources:

• Overview of Key Takeaways From the CMS Eligibility Redetermination Letter
• HR. 1 Implementation Journey Map
• White Paper on the Community Engagement Requirements

New SNAP Work and Education Program Certification Process

DHS has also announced a new initiative to certify more eligible work and education programs that serve SNAP recipients. This new certification program will increase the number of work and education providers available statewide, which will help SNAP recipients meet their federal work and community engagement reporting requirements.

Through the new process, work and education programs that are not currently contracted as DHS SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) programs but provide similar services can apply for PA DHS certification. This certification is only through PA DHS and helps ensure SNAP recipients are meeting federal work and community engagement requirements. The certification program eligibility criteria and application form can be found here.

Previously, there was no way for other work and education programs to receive PA DHS certification. This new, simple process requires some basic information about the organization, the number of anticipated participants slots, and typical weekly program hours. Streamlining the certification process means that more Pennsylvanians who are already participating in work, education, or training can meet their federal work and community engagement reporting requirements to remain eligible for SNAP benefits.

PA DHS encourages work and education programs that are not already a PA DHS SNAP E&T program to apply for certification if they already provide work and education services to SNAP recipients and meet the outlined criteria. Please note that becoming DHS-certified as a qualified SNAP work and education program recognizes that a program meets the requirements of a SNAP E&T program and does not mean state or federal funding will be available for this program.

If SNAP recipients have questions about how to report work, education, training, or volunteering activities, they can talk with a caseworker at DHS’ County Assistance Office or call the Customer Service Center at 877-395-8930 (or 215-560-7226 for people living in Philadelphia).

If a Pennsylvanian loses SNAP benefits, they can reapply anytime.

PA DHS strongly encourages people to reapply if they lost benefits but have since started to meet work, training, education, or volunteering requirements or meet an exemption. If Pennsylvanians aren’t sure whether they are eligible for SNAP benefits, PA DHS’ online screening tool can help. By answering a quick and simple set of yes or no questions, SNAP applicants and recipients can find out if they still need to meet the work requirements, if they’ve started meeting the work requirements, or if they are likely to now be eligible for an exemption.

Please contact your RCPA Policy Director with any questions.