State Fee Waiver (PA): How It Actually Works
In Pennsylvania, there are two separate pieces to keep your card active: the doctor certification (what Green Bridge does) and the state’s annual fee/waiver (what the PA Department of Health handles).
You must complete the state fee or waiver by the due date shown in your state account, even if your printed card doesn’t expire until later.
1) Doctor Certification (Green Bridge Society)
Who: Green Bridge Society
- This is the medical service we provide (doctor call and certification).
- This certification is what triggers the state to mail your new card.
- Our fee is separate from the state fee — state waivers do not apply to our service.
2) State Annual Fee / Waiver (PA Department of Health)
Who: PA Department of Health (in your patient account)
- This payment or approved waiver keeps your card active at dispensaries.
- It must be completed each year by the “Annual Fee Due Date” shown in your account.
- Even if you expect a waiver, you still need to go through the “Make Payment” steps each year.
- Different clocks: The state fee due date and card expiration date can be totally different.
- New card mailed: Triggered by your doctor’s renewal certificate.
- Card keeps working: Depends on the state fee/waiver being completed by its due date.
Quick checklist
- Complete your renewal with Green Bridge Society (doctor certification).
- Log in to your PA patient account and go to “Make Payment”.
- Complete the annual state fee or waiver by the due date shown.
If you miss the state fee due date, your card can stop working — even if the printed expiration date hasn’t passed yet.
Do waivers cover the doctor fee?
No. The waiver only applies to the state fee. Our doctor certification is a separate professional service.
Why is my state fee due when my card isn’t expiring yet?
The state fee has its own annual due date in your account. It does not have to match the card’s printed expiration.