Medicaid Estate Recovery: Notice to DHS

If the decedent was 55 or older at death, the personal representative must notify the PA Department of Human Services and request a statement of claim — even if you believe the decedent never received Medicaid. This is required by 62 P.S. § 1412 and DHS will verify whether any benefits were paid.

How to Send the Notice

• Send notice by certified mail (return receipt requested), fax (717-772-6553), or email
• Address: PA Department of Human Services, Division of Estate Recovery, P.O. Box 8486, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8486
• Include: decedent's name, SSN, date of death, date of birth, county of residence, and personal representative's contact information
• DHS has 45 days from receipt to submit its claim — or the claim is forfeited
• The 45-day clock does not start until DHS receives a fully compliant notice

What DHS Can Recover

DHS can claim reimbursement for all Medicaid benefits paid on behalf of the decedent — including nursing facility costs, home and community-based services, hospital and prescription drugs, and MA premiums paid. The claim is limited to the value of the probate estate. Assets that pass outside probate (jointly-held property, beneficiary designations, trusts) are generally not subject to recovery — which is why advance Medicaid planning matters so much.