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.

Statutory content on this page was last verified against Pennsylvania statutes (20 Pa.C.S.; 72 P.S. Art. XXI): ✓ Verified Mar. 2026. If you are reading this significantly after that date, confirm key provisions with current statute text or contact our office.