.jpg)
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.
Community HealthChoices Toolkit
Community HealthChoices (CHC) is a new waiver program for individuals over 21 years old with a disability who previously received services through the Independence, CommCare, or Aging Waivers. This toolkit was developed by the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Health Law Project to provide information on CHC.
Q&A: What Congress’ Latest Healthcare Cuts Mean for Pennsylvania October 2025
Update from Pennsylvania Health Law Project, Community Legal Services and Pennsylvania Health Access Network about the latest health care changes enacted by Congress and how these changes will affect Pennsylvanians. Included are a fact sheet and the recording of a webinar on the topic presented on October 7, 2025. (October 2025)
Reminder! Keep Your Medicaid Case File Up to Date
This information from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project explains how to update your case file 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)
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.
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.
Facts About MAWD (Medical Assistance Benefits for Workers with Disabilities) (Video)
This video from Pennsylvania Health Law Project provides information on the Medical Assistance Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program which provides low-cost health insurance to people who are disabled and working. If you need help applying for MAWD, or if you receive a denial after submitting your MAWD application, call PA Health Law Project’s toll free Helpline at 1-800-274-3258 for free legal assistance to help you resolve a denied application and get the coverage you need. (2021)
Reminder! Keep Your Medicaid Case File Up to Date
This information from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project explains how to update your case file 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)
Community HealthChoices Toolkit
Community HealthChoices (CHC) is a new waiver program for individuals over 21 years old with a disability who previously received services through the Independence, CommCare, or Aging Waivers. This toolkit was developed by the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Health Law Project to provide information on CHC.
Facts About MAWD (Medical Assistance Benefits for Workers with Disabilities) (Video)
This video from Pennsylvania Health Law Project provides information on the Medical Assistance Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program which provides low-cost health insurance to people who are disabled and working. If you need help applying for MAWD, or if you receive a denial after submitting your MAWD application, call PA Health Law Project’s toll free Helpline at 1-800-274-3258 for free legal assistance to help you resolve a denied application and get the coverage you need. (2021)
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). (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.
Q&A: What Congress’ Latest Healthcare Cuts Mean for Pennsylvania October 2025
Update from Pennsylvania Health Law Project, Community Legal Services and Pennsylvania Health Access Network about the latest health care changes enacted by Congress and how these changes will affect Pennsylvanians. Included are a fact sheet and the recording of a webinar on the topic presented on October 7, 2025. (October 2025)
Reminder! Keep Your Medicaid Case File Up to Date
This information from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project explains how to update your case file 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)
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 for Choosing a Health Plan
This step-by-step guide developed by the Pennsylvania Health Law Project will help Medicaid consumers choose a new health plan this summer. The changes will only be applied to those who get their Medicaid through the physical HealthChoices system- they do not apply to Community HealthChoices. Consumers who do not choose a new health plan by August 23, 2022, will be auto-enrolled in one. (June 2022)
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.