Health Insurance Coverage (Behavioral and Physical Health)
Information about health care and health insurance programs. Each program has its own eligibility requirements.
Public Programs
CHIP – Children’s Health Insurance Program
1-800-986-KIDS (5437)
CHIP provides health insurance to uninsured kids in Pennsylvania. All uninsured children up to age 18 years, regardless of their parents’ income, can qualify. In some cases, the child must be uninsured for six months prior to enrollment. CHIP works through various private health insurance companies to allow children to receive immunizations, prescriptions, and vision exams, and to visit the doctor and dentist. The cost for coverage is based on income and ranges from free to about $150 per month per child, and there are co-pays for some services.
Mental Health Rx Pharmacy Benefit Program
Providing psychiatric prescription medications at no cost to eligible individuals. Eligibility is based on income.
Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
412-565-2146
Medical Assistance, also known as "MA" or "Medicaid," provides free health care coverage to low-income Pennsylvania residents. Residents should fit into one of the eligibility groups that are covered by the MA program and have income, and sometimes resources, that fall below the level set by the State for their category of MA eligibility. Apply using the COMPASS website, or by calling the County Assistance Office at 412-565-2146.
Important changes to Medical Assistance benefits begin Jan. 3, 2012
The Department of Public Welfare is making a change to Medical Assistance prescription drug benefit. Please read this notice carefully.
Behavioral Health Insurance (Allegheny County HealthChoices mental health, alcohol, drug, or other addiction services)
Community Care Behavioral Health Organization (Community Care) is the behavioral health managed care organization for Allegheny County residents who receive medical assistance. Community Care’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of the community through the delivery of effective, cost-efficient, and accessible behavioral health services.
Medicaid.gov - Keeping America Healthy
Provides state-specific information on enrollment, waivers, etc. It also contains information on the Affordable Care Act.
Pa. Fair Care
Pennsylvania's health plan for uninsured adults with pre-existing conditions. It provides transition coverage while the federal health insurance laws come into affect. Availability is extremely limited.
Help with Medicare
Health Insurance Counseling for Older Adults
Information about APPRISE, a free health insurance counseling service available to individuals 60 years of age and older.
Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA)
Help paying Medicare Part A co-pays and deductibles for income-eligible Medicare subscribers.
Medicare Part D
Information about the Part D prescription drug benefit available to individuals enrolled in Medicare.
Other Resources
Allegheny County Department of Human Services Mental Health Funding
This chart compares what publicly funded mental health services are available depending upon an individual’s existing health coverage.
Allegheny County Rx Program
The program is free to any Allegheny County resident regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage; and is honored at more than 300 participating pharmacies in Allegheny County. A national network of more than 60,000 participating retail pharmacies also will honor the NACo prescription discount card. The program is sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo).
COMPASS
Apply for publicly-funded benefits on-line or by calling the County Assistance Office at 412-565-2146.
Consumer Health Coalition
412-456-1877
The Consumer Health Coalition provides assistance with determining eligibility and completing applications for public health care programs.
Pennsylvania Health Law Project
1-800-274-3258 (TTY 1-866-236-6310 )
PHLP website provides helpful newsletters with current content. PHLP also free legal services and advocacy to Pennsylvanians having trouble accessing publicly-funded health care coverage or services. Helpline at 1-800-274-3258 (TTY 1-866-236-6310 ).
Under/Uninsured Resource Guide by the Allegheny County Health Department
This guide contains a list of clinics and health centers in Allegheny County that serve people without health insurance or who are minimally insured. Also included is information about prescription assistance, transportation, and consumer advocacy resources. For the most current edition, look for the link to the guide on the ACHD's homepage.