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Home→Agencies→Medicaid Estate Recovery→Pennsylvania→When someone dies

Medicaid Estate Recovery in Pennsylvania: when someone dies

A 4-step process for Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Estate Recovery Program after a death in Pennsylvania.

OverviewWhen someone dies

Medicaid Recovery

Pennsylvania

pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/for-residents/estate-recovery→

Administering agency

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Estate Recovery Program

Phone800-528-3708
WebsiteVisit website →

Authority

62 P.S. 1412; 55 Pa. Code Chapter 258

Verified Jul 2026

Steps to take

  1. Determine whether the deceased received Pennsylvania Medical Assistance for long-term care at age 55 or older.
  2. Notify the Department of Human Services Estate Recovery Program of the death and request the amount of any claim.
  3. Address the recovery claim as a debt of the probate estate before distributing assets to heirs.
  4. Request an undue-hardship waiver from the Department if recovery would cause undue hardship to the heirs.

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Estate Recovery Program

Phone: 800-528-3708

Visit the agency website →

Frequently asked questions

Under 55 Pa. Code § 258.7, the Department postpones collection until the last of these occurs: the death of a surviving spouse, the death of a child who is blind or totally and permanently disabled, a surviving child turning 21, or the death of, property transfer by, or vacating of the property by a sibling who has an equity interest in the property and lived in the home for at least a year before the death.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated July 14, 2026

Sources

  • pacodeandbulletin.gov
  • pa.gov

Data sourced from Medicaid Estate Recovery in Pennsylvania primary sources (5 pages reviewed). How we research.

Medicaid Recovery

Pennsylvania

pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/for-residents/estate-recovery→

Administering agency

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Estate Recovery Program

Phone800-528-3708
WebsiteVisit website →

Authority

62 P.S. 1412; 55 Pa. Code Chapter 258

Verified Jul 2026
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