11/19/2025: The Trump Administration has recently proposed a change to the “public charge” test

The Trump Administration has recently proposed a change to the “public charge” test. The rules have not yet changed. The Biden public charge rule is still in effect and will remain in effect until there is a final rule, which will take some time. The proposed rule would take away the Biden public charge rule but not replace it with any other clear rule. Instead, the Trump administration says they plan to issue guidance, but we do not yet know what it will say. This makes it hard to know how officials will consider public benefits when they review a green card application. If you are currently receiving public benefits, continuing on those programs should not increase your risk. 

8/25/2025: An important note on data privacy

Federal law prohibits states from sharing personal information provided when applying for programs like Medicaid and SNAP. But, under the Trump administration, some data may be shared with immigration enforcement despite the fact that it is illegal. Public programs like Medicaid and SNAP can be very helpful, and you should balance the benefits with the risks of sharing information. Keep in mind that:

• Applying doesn’t increase risk if DHS already has your address, and stopping benefits won’t erase past data.
• You don’t need to share immigration status or Social Security numbers for non-applicant family members. Medicaid (except for long-term institutionalization at government expense) and SNAP are still excluded from public charge determinations.
• Immigrant applicants should weigh the benefits of using public programs against the risks of data-sharing and consult with a public benefits or immigration attorney for personalized guidance.

Nov 12, 2024: Important Update for Immigrant Families

Despite the recent election, no immigration or public benefits rules have changed or are likely to change before January 20, 2025. We are closely monitoring any policy changes and will keep this page current with the latest information. Please check back here for updates and reliable guidance.

May 1, 2023: Keep Your Medicaid

Now that the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is over, Medical Assistance renewals are no longer automatic.

• Look for renewal papers in the mail from the County Assistance Office (CAO)
• Make sure the CAO knows your address. Call the Customer Service Center (215-560-­7226 in Philadelphia, 1-877-395-8930 outside Philadelphia) or use COMPASS (dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS) to check your address and report a new address.
• Report your language to the CAO. You can call the Customer Service Center to be sure they have the right "language code" for you, so they know which language they should use when communicating with you about your renewal.

Want to renew your Medical Assistance?

• Mail your renewal to or drop your renewal off at your CAO. Make a copy & keep a receipt if you can. A list of CAO names and addresses is available here: CAO Contact (pa.gov).
• Complete your renewal by phone: 1-866-550-4355, or
• Renew online at: dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS.