This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Children's Health Care issues in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Benefits For Children With Disabilities
This booklet from the Social Security Administration is written primarily for the parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and adults disabled since childhood. It illustrates the kinds of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits a child with a disability might be eligible for and explains how SSA evaluates disability claims for children.
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.
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.
Writing a Letter of Medical Necessity for Nursing & Home Health Services: A Guide for Pediatric Healthcare Providers
This guide for Pediatric Healthcare Providers explains how to write a strong letter of medical necessity to ensure their patient receives the shift care services they need. Parents can furnish this resource to physicians to assist the physician in preparing documentation to ensure their children get the care they need.
Writing a Letter of Medical Necessity for Nursing & Home Health Services: A Guide for Pediatric Healthcare Providers
This guide for Pediatric Healthcare Providers explains how to write a strong letter of medical necessity to ensure their patient receives the shift care services they need. Parents can furnish this resource to physicians to assist the physician in preparing documentation to ensure their children get the care they need.
COMPASS
COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP and other social service programs.
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.
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.
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.
Writing a Letter of Medical Necessity for Nursing & Home Health Services: A Guide for Pediatric Healthcare Providers
This guide for Pediatric Healthcare Providers explains how to write a strong letter of medical necessity to ensure their patient receives the shift care services they need. Parents can furnish this resource to physicians to assist the physician in preparing documentation to ensure their children get the care they need.
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)
Getting Medical Assistance for a Child (under 18) with a Severe Disability, Behavioral or Autism Spectrum Disorder
Information by the Pennsylvania Health Law Project on getting medical assistance for children, under 18, with a disability, behavioral or autism spectrum disorder.
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.
2025 Income and Resource Limits for Medicaid and Other Health Programs
Public benefit programs like Medicaid (“Medical Assistance” in Pennsylvania) use the federal poverty income guidelines to determine who qualifies for coverage. The 2025 guidelines were published January 17, 2025. The effective date of the limits listed below varies and may not take effect until March for some of the programs.
Medical Assistance Managed Care in Pennsylvania - A Guide to Pennsylvania’s HealthChoices Program for Families
This brochure explains the basics of Medical Assistance (MA) Physical Health coverage for children in Pennsylvania through the HealthChoices Program. (May 2014)
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.
Reporting Parental Income for Medical Assistance for Children with Disabilities - Frequently Asked Questions
Information on requirements for reporting income of parents of children receiving Medical Assistance due to a disability - PH 95 (February 2022)
Writing a Letter of Medical Necessity for Nursing & Home Health Services: A Guide for Pediatric Healthcare Providers
This guide for Pediatric Healthcare Providers explains how to write a strong letter of medical necessity to ensure their patient receives the shift care services they need. Parents can furnish this resource to physicians to assist the physician in preparing documentation to ensure their children get the care they need.
Benefits For Children With Disabilities
This booklet from the Social Security Administration is written primarily for the parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and adults disabled since childhood. It illustrates the kinds of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits a child with a disability might be eligible for and explains how SSA evaluates disability claims for children.
COMPASS
COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, LIHEAP and other social service programs.
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.
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment
The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit provides comprehensive and preventive health care services for children under age 21 who are enrolled in Medicaid. EPSDT is key to ensuring that children and adolescents receive appropriate preventive, dental, mental health, and developmental, and specialty services.
Insure Kids Now!
Millions of children and teens qualify for free or low-cost health and dental coverage through Medicaid & the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Medical (Health Care) Support in Support Orders
Information from the Pennsylvania Child Support Handbook on how to obtain health care coverage for children from a non-custodial parent in a support order.
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.
Pennsylvania Health Care Facilities Search
Search aid from the Pennsylvania Department of Health to help you locate health facilities in Pennsylvania.
Writing a Letter of Medical Necessity for Nursing & Home Health Services: A Guide for Pediatric Healthcare Providers
This guide for Pediatric Healthcare Providers explains how to write a strong letter of medical necessity to ensure their patient receives the shift care services they need. Parents can furnish this resource to physicians to assist the physician in preparing documentation to ensure their children get the care they need.