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
https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/compass/
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 web site, or by calling the County Assistance Office at 412-565-2146.
CHIP – Children’s Health Insurance Program
1-800-986-KIDS (5437)
http://chipcoverspakids.com/
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. Visit the CHIP web site or call 1-800-986-KIDS for more information.
adultBasic
1-800-GO-BASIC
www.ins.state.pa.us/ins/site/
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. Visit the adultBasic web site or call 1-800-GO-BASIC for more information.
Apply for Public Programs Online
https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/compass/
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.
Pennsylvania Health Law Project
1-800-274-3258 (1-866-236-6310 TTY)
www.phlp.org
PHLP provides free legal services and advocacy to Pennsylvanians having trouble accessing publicly funded health care coverage or services. You can call their helpline at 1-800-274-3258 (1-866-236-6310 TTY).
Consumer Health Coalition
412-456-1877
www.consumerhealthcoalition.org/
The Consumer Health Coalition provides assistance with determining eligibility and completing applications for public health care programs.
Health Insurance on HumanServices.net
Medical Clinics on HumanServices.net
Prescription Drug Coverage on HumanServices.net