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This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Adult Health Care issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
How to Obtain Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Services in Pennsylvania
A guide from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project explaining how to obtain Mental Health Services and Drug & Alcohol Services under various programs in Pennsylvania. [PDF]
Frequently Asked Questions: CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, and the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Answers to some frequently asked questions about medical coverage from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services related to the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. While some FAQs are relevant for all programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and private insurance, other questions are program specific as indicated.
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. The Toll Free Helpline is open on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning at 8:00 AM Eastern.
COMPASS - Apply for Public Benefits and Services from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents can apply for a variety of programs offered by the PA Department of Human Services, including public assistance, food stamps, health care coverage, energy assistance and other social service programs at this site
Application for cash assistance, SNAP and Medical Assistance Benefits
You can apply for cash assistance, SNAP and Medical Assistance benefits online with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Paper forms can also be printed from the website.
Pennie - Pennsylvania's Health Care Marketplace
Pennie provides information on health care coverage available and how to sign up. All Pennsylvanians can search and choose coverage from November to January 15. After January 15th, folks who experience a Qualifying Life Event are still eligible to apply for financial assistance and shop for health insurance. Visit their website to learn more on qualifying life events.
Benefits.gov
Benefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government whose mission is to increase citizen access to benefit information, while reducing the expense and difficulty of interacting with the government. It is a free, online confidential tool that helps you find government benefits you may be eligible to receive.
Hospital Compare - A quality tool provided by Medicare
This tool from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides you with information on how well the hospitals in your area care for all their adult patients with certain medical conditions. This information will help you compare the quality of care hospitals provide.
Medicare Drug Plan Finder
The Medicare Drug Plan Finder from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can help you find and compare Medicare prescription drug plans in your area.
Local County Assistance Offices
County Assistance Offices are located throughout Pennsylvania. You can submit applications and renewals at your local county assistance office drop box or online using COMPASS. Caseworkers are available at the county assistance office to help you and answer your questions in person or over the phone, if the office is closed to the public. This is a listing of the location and how to contact local County Assistance Offices in Pennsylvania.
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. The Toll Free Helpline is open on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning at 8:00 AM Eastern.
Health Care for Immigrants - A Manual for Advocates
This manual from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project will provide information about the different pieces of the health care system that can fit together to provide complete care for immigrants. [PDF] (June 2017)
How to Obtain Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Services in Pennsylvania
A guide from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project explaining how to obtain Mental Health Services and Drug & Alcohol Services under various programs in Pennsylvania. [PDF]
Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Medical Assistance Benefits
People who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically approved for Medicaid (called “Medical Assistance”) in Pennsylvania. There are special circumstances that allow people to keep getting Medicaid after their SSI benefits end. (2023)
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) - A Guide to Eligibility
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) is a state health insurance program for people who are working and have a disability or serious health condition. MAWD is often a good option for people who make too much money to qualify for other categories of Medical Assistance (MA or Medicaid) but who nonetheless need health insurance. MAWD provides comprehensive health insurance coverage and as compared to other MA programs, has high income and resource limits. MAWD also has flexible work and disability requirements. This guide explains each MAWD eligibility requirement in depth and tells you how to apply for MAWD coverage. (February 2024)
COMPASS - Apply for Public Benefits and Services from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents can apply for a variety of programs offered by the PA Department of Human Services, including public assistance, food stamps, health care coverage, energy assistance and other social service programs at this site
Health Insurance
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department provides information on the options available for health insurance in Pennsylvania.
Pennie - Pennsylvania's Health Care Marketplace
Pennie provides information on health care coverage available and how to sign up. All Pennsylvanians can search and choose coverage from November to January 15. After January 15th, folks who experience a Qualifying Life Event are still eligible to apply for financial assistance and shop for health insurance. Visit their website to learn more on qualifying life events.
Coverage for Young Adults
Information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on the Affordable Care Act provisions that allow young adults to stay on their parents' health care plan until age 26.
The Affordable Care Act's New Patient's Bill of Rights
Information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on the new Patient's Bill of Rights under the Affordable Care Act which will help children (and eventually all Americans) with pre-existing conditions gain coverage and keep it, protect all American's choice of doctors, and end lifetime limits on the care consumers may receive. These new protections apply to nearly all health insurance plans
Pennsylvania Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
Information on the Pennsylvania Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which is a free breast and cervical cancer early detection program of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. It is funded by the Department of Health and through a grant the Department receives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Program
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment (BCCPT) Program provides full healthcare benefits to women needing treatment for breast or cervical cancer, or a pre-cancerous condition of the breast or cervix to women who qualify for the program.
Hospital Compare - A quality tool provided by Medicare
This tool from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides you with information on how well the hospitals in your area care for all their adult patients with certain medical conditions. This information will help you compare the quality of care hospitals provide.
Medicare Drug Plan Finder
The Medicare Drug Plan Finder from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can help you find and compare Medicare prescription drug plans in your area.
Mental Health Services - DHS
Information on mental health resources and substance use available in PA, from the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS). Click on the link below for more information
Frequently Asked Questions: CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, and the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Answers to some frequently asked questions about medical coverage from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services related to the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. While some FAQs are relevant for all programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and private insurance, other questions are program specific as indicated.
Pennsylvania Health Care Facilities Search
Search aid from the Pennsylvania Department of Health to help you locate health facilities in Pennsylvania.