Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide free or low-cost health coverage to millions of Americans, including some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
What is Medicaid?
Depending on your income and family size, you or your family members may qualify for Medicaid. If you do qualify for Medicaid, there is no limited-enrollment period, meaning you can enroll at any time.
In Pennsylvania, households with annual incomes of up to 138% of the federal poverty level may qualify for Medicaid, otherwise known as Medical Assistance or MA. This is $17,236 per year for an individual, or $35,535 per year for a family of four for 2020.
You can access additional information about Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania, and understand if you qualify, here.
What is the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)?
Pennsylvania's health insurance program that’s just for children. CHIP provides free or low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but who may experience difficulty buying private insurance. There are also options to purchase CHIP coverage at full cost. In Pennsylvania, children (birth through 18 years of age) may qualify for comprehensive children’s coverage through CHIP.
In Pennsylvania, children living in households with an annual income of up to 314% of the federal poverty level may qualify for free or low-cost coverage through CHIP. That’s an income of $82,260 for a family of four (based on
Are you in need of assistance with Long-Term Services and Support?
In Pennsylvania, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) is part of a suite of Long Term Care (LTC) services available through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services in your home or community. These services are also known as waiver-funded services or waiver programs. HCBS provides for supports and services beyond those covered by Medicaid (or Medical Assistance) and allows a person to remain in a community setting by providing help with daily tasks like bathing or dressing. More information is available here.
Long-Term Services and Supports include services that:
- Support individuals who need ongoing care due to age, physical or intellectual disability or chronic illness; and
- Assist an individual or their caregiver, to live as independently as possible in their homes and communities.
Examples include meals, transportation, chore services, personal care, counseling, respite for caretakers, adult day health care, benefits counseling, home modifications, assistive technology, etc.