Adult Health Care
Legal Information > Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network
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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.
Accessing the Community HealthChoices Waiver: A Guide to Waiver Eligibility for Advocates
This guide provides an overview of the application process for the Community HealthChoices waiver – including the functional eligibility review and the County Assistance Office (CAO) financial eligibility review. To qualify, applicants must be aged 21 or older and meet both functional and financial eligibility standards. Functional eligibility is determined by looking at a person’s ability to perform certain activities and tasks that are needed for daily living. Financial eligibility is determined by looking at a person’s income and resources (assets), such as bank accounts, property, and retirement accounts.
How to Obtain Mental Health Services and Substance Use Treatment 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] (September 2024)
How to Update Your Address and Phone Number with Medicaid
This information from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project explains how to update your information with Medicaid. If you are on Medicaid now, be sure to update your contact information, like mailing address and phone number, with the County Assistance Office. This will help ensure you get important updates and renewal paperwork in the mail and by phone. (September 29, 2025)
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. (January 2025)
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.
How to Update Your Address and Phone Number with Medicaid
This information from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project explains how to update your information with Medicaid. If you are on Medicaid now, be sure to update your contact information, like mailing address and phone number, with the County Assistance Office. This will help ensure you get important updates and renewal paperwork in the mail and by phone. (September 29, 2025)
Accessing the Community HealthChoices Waiver: A Guide to Waiver Eligibility for Advocates
This guide provides an overview of the application process for the Community HealthChoices waiver – including the functional eligibility review and the County Assistance Office (CAO) financial eligibility review. To qualify, applicants must be aged 21 or older and meet both functional and financial eligibility standards. Functional eligibility is determined by looking at a person’s ability to perform certain activities and tasks that are needed for daily living. Financial eligibility is determined by looking at a person’s income and resources (assets), such as bank accounts, property, and retirement accounts.
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)
How to Obtain Mental Health Services and Substance Use Treatment 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] (September 2024)
How to Update Your Address and Phone Number with Medicaid
This information from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project explains how to update your information with Medicaid. If you are on Medicaid now, be sure to update your contact information, like mailing address and phone number, with the County Assistance Office. This will help ensure you get important updates and renewal paperwork in the mail and by phone. (September 29, 2025)
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. (January 2025)
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.