Navigating Insurance Pa Compass: A Guide To Making Changes

COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for health and human service programs and manage benefit information. It provides access to many of Pennsylvania's health and human services benefits online. With COMPASS, you can learn about benefits and see if you qualify, apply for benefits and renew existing benefits, and manage your benefits. COMPASS is available 24/7 on your computer, tablet, or smartphone and is offered in English and Spanish.

Applying for insurance

• Visit the COMPASS Website: Go to the official COMPASS website at www.compass.state.pa.us. The website is available in English and Spanish, and you can access it using your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
• Learn About Benefits: Before applying, you can use COMPASS to learn about the different benefits and programs available. This includes health care coverage, Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and more. Check your eligibility for these programs and decide which ones are relevant to you.
• Register and Create an Account: To start the application process, you will need to register and create a My COMPASS Account. This account will allow you to manage your applications, benefits, and personal information.
• Complete the Application: COMPASS allows you to complete one application for multiple benefits. Fill out the required information accurately and provide any necessary documentation. The application process is designed to be user-friendly, with help features provided throughout.
• Submit and Track Your Application: Once you have completed the application, submit it through the COMPASS website. You can then track the status of your application and view case information through your My COMPASS Account.
• Seek Assistance if Needed: If you need assistance at any point during the application process, COMPASS offers help in several ways. You can visit the Helpful Links section on the COMPASS homepage or contact the Department of Human Services (DHS) helpline for further guidance.
• Explore Additional Features: COMPASS offers various self-service features. For example, you can upload verification documents, report changes to your case, search for child care options, and connect to other benefits that are not directly available on COMPASS.
• Apply for Specific Programs: Depending on your needs, you can apply for specific programs such as Health Care Coverage, Medicaid for Former Foster Care Youth, Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD), the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), CHIP, Pennsylvania's Health Insurance Marketplace (Pennie), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Consider Using a Compass Advisor: While not necessary, you may find it helpful to work with a Compass advisor. These advisors can provide personalized guidance and simplify the process of choosing and enrolling in an insurance plan. They can also assist with payments, documents, claims, and navigating the healthcare marketplace.

By following these steps, you can confidently apply for insurance through COMPASS and access the health and human services benefits you need. Remember to provide accurate information and take advantage of the available resources to make the application process as smooth as possible.

Renewing benefits

Renewing your benefits is easy with COMPASS. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Log in to your My COMPASS Account

To renew your benefits, you will first need to log in to your My COMPASS Account. If you do not have an account, you can create one by clicking on the link provided on the COMPASS website.

Step 2: Check your contact information and renewal date

Ensure that your contact information, such as your address and phone number, is up to date. You can do this by logging into your My COMPASS Account and reviewing your profile details. Additionally, make a note of your renewal date to ensure you don't miss the deadline. Ninety days before your renewal is due, you will start receiving letters informing you that your renewal date is approaching.

Step 3: Receive your renewal packet

About a month before your renewal is due, you will receive a paper renewal packet in the mail. This packet will contain the necessary forms and information about your renewal due date.

Step 4: Complete and submit your renewal

You can choose from four options to complete and submit your renewal:

• By mail: Fill out the forms and mail them back using the provided envelope.
• Online: Visit the COMPASS website at www.compass.state.pa.us to complete your renewal.
• By phone: Call 1-866-550-4355 to complete your renewal over the phone.
• In-person: Visit any local County Assistance Office (CAO) to submit your renewal in person.

Step 5: Keep a copy for your records

After submitting your renewal, be sure to keep a copy for your records. If you submit your renewal by mail, make a copy of the forms before sending them. If you renew online, take screenshots or print the confirmation pages.

Remember to renew your benefits on time to ensure you continue receiving the assistance you need. For further assistance, you can always reach out to the COMPASS support team or your local County Assistance Office.

Managing benefits

• Users can apply for benefits and renew existing benefits.
• They can also connect to other benefits that are not available on COMPASS.
• The platform is available 24/7 on computers, tablets, and smartphones, making it easily accessible.
• COMPASS is private, secure, and safe, ensuring that users' information remains confidential.
• It is available in English and Spanish, catering to a diverse range of users.
• Users can complete one application to apply for multiple benefits, saving time and effort.
• The platform provides help features throughout the application process, making it user-friendly.
• It allows users to upload verification documents, check the status of their applications, and view and manage their benefit information.
• Users can report changes to their case and search for childcare and other early learning programs.
• COMPASS also allows users to search for and submit referrals for certain home and community-based services.

Overall, COMPASS provides a streamlined and efficient way for individuals in Pennsylvania to manage their benefits, ensuring they can access the support they need.

Checking application status

Checking your application status on COMPASS is simple. COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information.

To check the status of your application, you will need to log in to your My COMPASS Account. If you do not have an account, you can create one by clicking on the link provided on the login page. Once you are logged in, you will be able to view your application status, as well as renew your benefits, finish any saved applications, and submit a LIHEAP application.

In addition to checking your application status, your My COMPASS Account also allows you to screen for benefits, apply and renew benefits, save and submit applications, submit documents electronically, view case information, receive notices online, and manage your case online.

The MyCOMPASS PA mobile app is also available for download, allowing you to access your benefits from anywhere at any time.

Uploading documents

To upload documents, you can use the Attachment Manager feature on COMPASS. Simply select the 'Upload' button on the relevant record, choose the documents saved on your drive, and attach the files. You can also upload documents using the myCOMPASS PA mobile app, which is available on iOS and Android devices. This allows you to access your benefits and manage your information on the go.

If you are experiencing issues with uploading documents, you may need to update your browser to one of the following compatible versions: Internet Explorer 9.0 or higher, Mozilla Firefox 30.0 or higher, Google Chrome 35.0 or higher, or Safari 7.0 or higher.

Frequently asked questions