Health Options

Details about other health options and how to apply:

There are a number of health care options that can be explored. 

Medical Assistance:

You may apply for health care coverage at www.compass.state.pa.us to see if you qualify for Medical Assistance (MA). If your circumstances have changed since enrolling in adultBasic - for example, if you’ve become disabled, turned 65, or your income has decreased - you may qualify for MA. To learn more, go to www.compass.state.pa.us and click on “Do I Qualify?” to find out if you may be eligible or call the PA DPW Helpline at 1-800-692-7462.

 

Medicare:

If you have turned 65, are disabled or meet other eligibility requirements, you may qualify for Medicare. For more information, go to: http://www.ssa.gov/medicareonly/  If you do not wish to apply online you may make an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the "TTY" number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on business days.

 

SpecialCare℠ Health Insurance:

Pennsylvania’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans offer SpecialCare, a subsidized health insurance plan for individuals and families. 

 

For more information or to enroll in SpecialCare, contact the plan that provides services in your county. Note: Special Care is not offered by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, nor does identifying it here serve as an endorsement or sponsorship or other affiliation by or with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. The Special Care products are offered by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, and  these products and the website links are identified here as a resource  to assist adultBasic enrollees in finding alternative coverage.    

 

Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 1-888-445-7930

http://www.bcnepa.com/ohpSpecialCare.aspx

 

Capital BlueCross, 1-800-682-2393   

https://www.capbluecross.com/Products/ForIndividuals/HealthConditions/SpecialCare/

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, 1-800-544-6679, TTY 1-800-452-8086 

www.highmarkbcbs.com/SpecialCare

Highmark Blue Shield, 1-877-986-4571, TTY 1-800-562-0591 

www.highmarkblueshield.com/SpecialCare

Independence Blue Cross, 1-866-282-2702, TDD/TTY: 215-241-2622

http://www.ibx.com/health_plans/low_income/special_care.html

Employer-based Coverage:

You may have the option to select coverage provided through your employer, or another family member’s employer if applicable. In many cases, an employer subsidizes the cost of such coverage.   
 

PA Fair Care:

PA Fair Care is Pennsylvania’s health insurance program for uninsured people with pre-existing medical conditions. To be eligible, the federal Affordable Care Act says you must be uninsured for six months and have a pre-existing condition. For information of PA Fair Care visit www.PAFairCare.com or call 1-888-767-7015.

 

Community Health Centers:

There are approximately 200 community health centers across the state that provide free or low-cost comprehensive, high quality medical health care for all ages on an ability-to-pay basis. In some locations, a full range of services such as dental care and prescription drugs may be available. Services may be free or low-cost, based on your household income. To find the health centers nearest you, call the PA Association of Community Health Centers, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1-866-944-CARE (2273), or go to http://www.pachc.com/health_find.html for a list of Pennsylvania health centers.

Financial Assistance with Hospital Bills:

Most hospitals offer financial assistance for uninsured patients who need treatment but cannot afford to pay their bills. Patients who qualify will have their bills reduced or eliminated. If you have hospital bills that you cannot afford to pay, call the hospital’s billing department and ask how you may apply for financial assistance.

 

Other Specialized Programs:

Prescription Drug Financial Assistance - Pennsylvanians who do not participate in any other state or federally funded prescription program may be able to receive free or low-cost prescriptions. Call 1-800-955-0989 for The Pennsylvania Patient Assistance Program Clearinghouse or go to www.aging.state.pa.us, “Prescription Assistance” and “Other Pharmaceutical Programs.” The Clearinghouse will help you apply for free or low-cost prescription medicines available from drug manufacturing companies and other sources.

 

Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) - MAWD is a health insurance program for working individuals with a disability. There is no set requirement for how many hours you must work or how much you must earn, but you must work and receive wages to qualify. For more information, call 1-800-692-7462 or go to www.dpw.state.pa.us , type in “MAWD” in the Site Search box in the top right corner, then click on the first link to “Medical Assistance Benefits for Workers with Disabilities”.

 

SelectPlan for Women – Pennsylvania’s SelectPlan for Women is a free, confidential health care program for women between the ages of 18 and 44 that pays for family planning services and related preventive health screens provided by participating health care professionals. Family planning-related prescriptions are free at any participating pharmacy. For more information and to see if you are eligible, call 1-800-842-2020 or go to www.selectplanforwomen.com.

 

HealthyWoman Breast and Cervical Screening Program (HWP) - HWP offers breast and cervical exams at no cost for eligible women. These exams include mammograms, clinical breast exams, pelvic exams and Pap tests. You qualify if you are 40 to 64 years old; have no or limited insurance; and have low to moderate household income. For more information and to find the HWP check-up site near you, call 1-800-215-7494 or go to www.pahealthywoman.org.

 

Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Program (BCCPT) - If you have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer or a pre-cancerous condition of the breast or cervix, you may be eligible for free care through BCCPT. The care covers your breast or cervical cancer treatment, as well as any other unrelated conditions while receiving your cancer treatment. You qualify if you are female; under age 65; meet the income requirements; and have no or limited insurance. For more information, call 1‑800-842-2020 or click here for more information.

 

Pregnancy/High-Risk Pregnancy (Healthy Beginnings/Healthy Beginnings Plus) -- If you are pregnant, you may be eligible for Healthy Beginnings or Healthy Beginnings Plus – free programs that provide comprehensive health care coverage to pregnant women and their babies for a full year. Call 1-800-842-2020 for more information on how to apply and for locations near you or click here for more information.