Philadelphia Launched Outreach for Medicaid Changes

The city initiative helps residents navigate new eligibility rules that could affect over 70,000 people.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Immigration

Isometric editorial illustration of a row of institutional brick-facade buildings, representing civic health access in Philadelphia. — Philadelphia officials have launched the One Philly Medicaid Access program to help over 70,000 residents navigate new eligibility rules and renewal requirements. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Philadelphia has launched the One Philly Medicaid Access program to assist residents facing new eligibility requirements under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. City officials created the campaign to help enrollees maintain coverage as administrative rules shift across the state.

Why it matters

The program aims to prevent coverage losses caused by a lack of awareness regarding new federal cost-saving measures. City officials want to ensure vulnerable residents remain enrolled despite complex updates to renewal cycles and work requirements.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act requires Medicaid expansion enrollees aged 19 to 64 to submit proof of 80 hours of monthly work, volunteering, or school. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania manages coverage for 150,000 noncitizen immigrants.

The players

Philadelphia City Council

This local legislative body is responsible for holding hearings to evaluate how federal and state policy changes impact city residents.

One Big Beautiful Bill Act

This federal legislation established the new Medicaid eligibility and administrative rules currently being implemented at the state level.

The details

The city is operating eight health centers to provide primary care and assistance to those impacted by the changes. The administration has also convened working groups to help residents identify necessary work requirement exemptions and transition to new six-month renewal cycles.

Some Medicaid eligibility changes took effect in late September 2026.
City Council introduced legislation for impact hearings in September 2026.
Additional Medicaid program changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Political Context

Opponents and some council members have expressed concern over the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, arguing that the new mandates create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for low-income families. These critics contend the legislation prioritizes federal cost-cutting at the expense of local health stability.

Residents aged 19 to 64 must now track and submit proof of 80 hours of monthly activity to retain their benefits. Families should visit city health centers to receive assistance with these new renewal requirements and avoid potential gaps in coverage.

The takeaway

Navigating new eligibility hurdles requires proactive engagement with city resources before upcoming deadlines. Residents should prioritize confirming their renewal status to ensure their access to health services remains uninterrupted.