Health Insurance Coverage

Information about health care and health insurance programs. Each program has its own eligibility requirements.

Public Programs

Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
412-565-2146
Medical Assistance, also known as "MA" or "Medicaid," provides free health care coverage to low-income Pennsylvania residents.  Residents should fit into one of the eligibility groups that are covered by the MA program and have income, and sometimes resources, that fall below the level set by the State for their category of MA eligibility.  Apply using the COMPASS website, or by calling the County Assistance Office at 412-565-2146.

CHIP – Children’s Health Insurance Program
1-800-986-KIDS (5437)
CHIP provides health insurance to uninsured kids in Pennsylvania.  All uninsured children up to age 18, regardless of their parents’ income, can qualify, although there may be a 6-month waiting period in some cases. CHIP works through various private health insurance companies to allow children to receive immunizations, prescriptions, and vision exams, and to visit the doctor and dentist. The cost for coverage is based on income and ranges from free to about $150 per month per child, and there are co-pays for some services.

adultBasic
1-800-GO-BASIC
adultBasic provides low cost healthcare coverage to Pennsylvania’s uninsured adult population ages 19-64 who meet certain eligibility requirements. Applicants should note that adultBasic is limited coverage and does not cover behavioral health services or prescription drugs. There is currently a waiting list to enroll in the program.

Apply for Public Programs Online
Apply online for public health care and other social service programs on the State of Pennsylvania’s COMPASS website.

 Pharmacy Benefit Program 
Providing psychiatric prescription medications at no cost to eligible individuals. Eligibility is based on income.

Help with Medicare

Health Insurance Counseling for Older Adults 
Information about APPRISE, a free health insurance counseling service available to individuals aged 60 and older.

Medicare Part D 
Information about the Part D prescription drug benefit available to individuals enrolled in Medicare. 

Other Resources

 Allegheny County Health Department Guide to the Under- and Uninsured
This guide contains a list of clinics and health centers in Allegheny County that serve people without health insurance or who are minimally insured. Also included is information about prescription assistance, transportation, and consumer advocacy resources.

Allegheny County Rx Program 
The program is free to any Allegheny County resident regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage; and is honored at more than 300 participating pharmacies in Allegheny County. A national network of more than 60,000 participating retail pharmacies also will honor the NACo prescription discount card. The program is sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo).

Consumer Health Coalition
412-456-1877
The Consumer Health Coalition provides assistance with determining eligibility and completing applications for public health care programs.

Pennsylvania Health Law Project
1-800-274-3258 (1-866-236-6310 TTY)
PHLP provides free legal services and advocacy to Pennsylvanians having trouble accessing publicly funded health care coverage or services. Helpline at 1-800-274-3258 (1-866-236-6310 TTY). 

Health Insurance on HumanServices.net

Medical Clinics on HumanServices.net

Prescription Drug Coverage on HumanServices.net