HARRISBURG, October 24, 2012 –State Sen. Vincent Hughes today applauded a settlement between the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) and Philadelphia’s Community Legal Services (CLS), as well as a number of other advocacy groups that could mean the reinstatement of Medicaid benefits for tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians, including 89,000 children.
“For over a year, these families have been bereft of much needed medical benefits,” Hughes said. “These families have had to struggle with costly medical bills or have simply gone without medical care because they could not afford it. I am pleased that this issue has been resolved and that these individuals who erroneously had their benefits taken away could have their medical assistance restored.”
Following a letter from the Obama Administration urging DPW to ensure that no one had been wrongly removed from Medicaid rolls, a settlement was reached Tuesday evening between DPW and CLS which provides that more than 100,000 Pennsylvanians who lost Medicaid benefits last year have 35 days to reapply for their benefits.
Hughes added that in the upcoming weeks, those individuals previously ruled ineligible for Medcaid will receive a letter printed on blue paper informing them of their right to appeal. These individuals will then have 35 days from the date of the letter to fill out the Medical Assistance Reinstatement Form, included with the letter, and mail or fax it to 717-346-0363. Included with the mailed or faxed form should be recent pay stubs for individuals who are employed, and if possible, medical bills and receipts for medical bills paid since the loss of their Medical Assistance.
In 30 days of receiving the form and accompanying documents, DPW will let these individuals know if they are eligible to have their Medicaid reinstated.
“I urge all individuals who have had their Medical Assistance cut to be on the lookout for this distinctive blue letter and make sure you do not wait to send your form and other documentation back to DPW immediately,” Hughes said. “This could mean having essential medical benefits restored to you and your loved ones. This is absolutely critical.”
Hughes added that anyone with questions regarding Medical Assistance reinstatement should call his district office at 215-879-7777 or visit his website at www.senatorhughes.com.
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