The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has agreed to permit Pennsylvania to expand its Medicaid program under the federal Affordable Care Act to cover low income adults whose incomes exceed the federal poverty level.  Pennsylvania will join 26 other states in expanding its Medicaid program under the statute.  With the expansion, the Pennsylvania Medical Assistance Program benefits will cover an additional 500,000 people starting in 2015.  Beginning in 2016, individuals whose incomes exceed the federal poverty level may be required to pay a modest premium for the coverage.  More information on the program, which is call the Health PA Plan, can be found on the plan website at healthypa.com.