State Fee Waiver (Pennsylvania): How It Actually Works

Two separate transactions. Different due dates. Know what triggers a new card to be mailed—and what keeps it working at the dispensary.

Key Point
The State Fee due date is not tied to your card’s expiration date. It must be paid (or waived) by the due date shown in your state account, which may be totally different from your card’s printed expiration date.

1) Doctor Certification (Green Bridge Society)

Who: Green Bridge Society What: Medical renewal/new certification Waivers: No
  • This is the professional service we provide (the doctor call and certification).
  • This certification is what triggers the state to mail your new card.
  • Our fee is separate from any state fee; the state waiver does not apply to our service.

2) State Annual Fee / Waiver (PA DOH)

Who: PA Department of Health Where: Patient account → “Make Payment” Waivers: Possible if eligible
  • This payment (or approved waiver) keeps your card active.
  • Must be completed each year by the due date shown in your state account as “Annual Fee Due Date”.
  • Even if you expect a waiver, it is not automatic. You still need to complete the “Make Payment” step annually.
  • Different clocks: Your state fee due date can be different from your card expiration date.
  • What triggers a new card: The doctor’s renewal certificate prompts the state to mail your new card.
  • What keeps your card working: The state fee (or waiver) marked complete by its due date in your account.

Where do I pay?

Log into your state patient account and open the “Make Payment” tab. Complete the annual transaction there. The state will ask you the questions regarding your waiver.

Expecting a waiver?

Great—still go to “Make Payment” each year. The system determines eligibility and completes the transaction.

Missed the due date?

Your card may stop working at dispensaries. Complete the state payment/waiver to restore access.

Complete your doctor certification with Green Bridge Society

We handle the medical evaluation and issue your certification. This triggers the state to mail your new card.

Log into your PA state patient account

Go to the “Make Payment” tab. Complete the annual transaction by the due date shown—waiver or payment.

Use your card without interruption

With the doctor certificate filed and the state fee/waiver completed, your card remains active and a new card is mailed when applicable.

Avoid Interruptions
If you don’t complete the state fee/waiver by the state due date, your card can stop working—even if your printed card hasn’t reached its expiration date yet.
Does Green Bridge offer waivers for the doctor’s fee?

No. The state waiver only applies to the state fee. Our doctor certification is a separate professional service.

My card says it expires later—why is my state fee due now?

The state fee has its own annual due date in your account. It can be different from the card’s printed expiration date.

What actually makes the state mail me a new card?

Your doctor’s renewal certificate triggers the state to mail the new card. Paying/waiving the state fee keeps your access active.

Open PA Patient Account Visit the Help Center

Tip: Set a reminder for your state fee due date (shown in your state account) so your card never lapses.