Medical Assistance
Legal Information > Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network
This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Medical Assistance issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
MAWD or Marketplace? - What Pennsylvanians with Disabilities Need to Know About Choosing Health Insurance Coverage
Information on the selection of medical insurance by persons eligible for Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD). Today, people with serious health issues and persons with disabilities who are working or may be able to work, can choose between Marketplace health insurance and MAWD. Includes eligibility requirements for each program, how to apply and highlights factors to consider when choosing coverage.
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities
Information from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project on the MAWD (Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities) Program which allows qualified persons to purchase Medical Assistance if their income does not exceed 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. [PDF]
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) - A Guide to Eligibility
Information from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project about how to qualify for Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (also called “MAWD”), a state health insurance program for individuals who have chronic health problems and are working. (December 2019)
Fact Sheet: Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP)
Information about transportation services available through the PA Medical Assistance program. [PDF]
Understanding the Medical Assistance Transportation Program
Information about the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP). The program is available to any Medical Assistance consumer who needs help with non-emergency transportation to and from health care services or treatments.
A Guide to Public Benefits
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc. provides this guide to some programs that are funded by the government to provide help to individuals and families during times of need.
Benefits Available for Low Income Persons
A Summary of Benefits available through your County Assistance Office from Neighborhood Legal Services Association.
Billing Issues for Consumers with both Medicare and Medical Assistance - A guide for dual eligible consumers
Information from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project on how to pay medical expenses if you are receiving both Medicare and Medical Assistance (Medicaid) (October 2011)
Disabled People May Get Medical Assistance Through Either Healthy Horizons or MAWD
Information from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia on two programs that provides medical assistance to disabled workers, including what it takes to qualify for assistance under each of the programs. (May 2015)
Dual Eligibility in Pennsylvania: What Happens When I Am Newly Eligible for Medicare and Medicaid?
This manual from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project is for advocates and consumers who have Medicare and are also eligible for or enrolled in a Medicaid program. Medicaid in Pennsylvania is called "Medical Assistance" or "MA." Persons with Medicare and Medicaid are frequently referred to a "dual eligibles" due to their being simultaneously eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. (PDF) (February 2013)
Fact Sheet: Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP)
Information about transportation services available through the PA Medical Assistance program. [PDF]
How to Access Benefits During Coronavirus: SNAP (Food Stamps), Medicaid, TANF & LIHEAP
If you lost a job or your hours were cut because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you may be eligible for SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, cash assistance (TANF) or heating bill assistance (LIHEAP).
How to Appeal a Denial in HealthChoices
If your HealthChoices managed care plan denies your request for a service, such as a medication, home health care, or durable medical equipment, you have the right to appeal. You can also appeal if your plan stops, reduces, or changes a service you have been getting. [PDF]
How to Keep your Medicaid File Updated
Reporting changes to your caseworker when certain life events happen, such as moving, getting a new job, or having a baby, is an important requirement for receiving benefits. The Pennsylvania Health Law Project developed this resource on the importance of keeping your Medicaid file up to date, how to update it and the types of life changes you must notify
How to Obtain Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Services in Pennsylvania
Booklet from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project explaining how to obtain Mental Health Services and Drug & Alcohol Services under various programs in Pennsylvania. [PDF]
Impact of Criminal Record on Public Benefits in Pennsylvania
Chart from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia outlining the effect on the eligibility for public benefits for people with criminal records.
Many Immigrants Can Get Medical Assistance for Coronavirus Treatment
Information about immigrant eligibility for Medical Assistance and about access to for COVID-19 testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
MAWD or Marketplace? - What Pennsylvanians with Disabilities Need to Know About Choosing Health Insurance Coverage
Information on the selection of medical insurance by persons eligible for Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD). Today, people with serious health issues and persons with disabilities who are working or may be able to work, can choose between Marketplace health insurance and MAWD. Includes eligibility requirements for each program, how to apply and highlights factors to consider when choosing coverage.
Medicaid Estate Recovery: A Primer (Video)
This video from Community Legal Services explains the basics of Medical Assistance ("Medicaid") Estate Recovery and answers important questions about the program. It explains what happens if you own a home and receive Medical Assistance to pay for care in a nursing home or in the community. Funding for this video was made possible by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA).
Medical Assistance Copayments - A Factsheet for Consumers
Fact sheet on the law when you cannot afford to pay your medical co-pays for Medical Assistance benefits.
Medical Assistance Eligibility Manual
Information from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project on the eligibility requirements for Medical Assistance benefits and how to establish eligibility for the benefits. (April 2020)
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities
Information from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project on the MAWD (Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities) Program which allows qualified persons to purchase Medical Assistance if their income does not exceed 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. [PDF]
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) - A Guide to Eligibility
Information from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project about how to qualify for Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (also called “MAWD”), a state health insurance program for individuals who have chronic health problems and are working. (December 2019)
PA Health Law Project Toll-Free Helpline - Call: 1-800-274-3258
The PA Health Law Project provides free legal services and advocacy to Pennsylvanians having trouble accessing publicly funded health care coverage or services. For assistance, call the PHLP Helpline at 1-800-274-3258 or 1-866-236-6310 TTY or e-mail the PHLP at staff@phlp.org. Information from the PHLP is also available online at www.phlp.org.
Special Needs Trust
Northwestern Legal Services provides an overview of what a Special Needs Trust is, who needs one, and how to get one. (October 2018)
Tips on Applying for Welfare Benefits
Helpful tips from Neighborhood Legal Services Association about filing an application for benefits from the Department of Public Welfare.
Understanding the Medical Assistance Transportation Program
Information about the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP). The program is available to any Medical Assistance consumer who needs help with non-emergency transportation to and from health care services or treatments.
What You Should Know About Your House When You Enter a Nursing Home or Receive Care at Home
This brochure is for anyone who owns a home and may receive Medical Assistance to pay for their care in a nursing home or in the community.
You Have the Right to Disagree with the Welfare Office
Information from Neighborhood Legal Services Association on filing appeals to decisions made by your County Assistance Office.