Medical Assistance
Legal Information
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
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.
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)