Health Care/Medical Assistance
Medical Assistance (MA), also referred to sometimes as Medicaid, provides payment for health care services on behalf of eligible low-income individuals with limited income and high medical expenses.
How to Apply for Medical Assistance
You can apply for and renew your benefits from the comfort of your home using COMPASS, the online resource for cash assistance, Food Stamps, help with child care, health care coverage, home heating assistance (LIHEAP), school meals, SelectPlan for Women and long-term living services.
You can also contact your local County Assistance Office. You may apply even if you are not sure that you are eligible. You may also download an application form to send to your County Assistance Office (below). If you need help completing the application form and a friend or relative is unable to help you, trained County Assistance Office staff members can help you.
Application for Cash Assistance, Food Stamps and Medical Assistance Benefits (PDF download)
Solicitud para recibir beneficios (Solicitud para recibir beneficios; PDF transferencia directa)
If you earn more than allowed for Medical Assistance, your children may be eligible through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Adults may be eligible for an adult health insurance program called adultBasic.
The Medical Assistance (MA) Program is a joint state/federal program that pays for health care services for about 1.9 million Pennsylvania residents. Learn more…
Physical Health Options
Mental Health/Substance Abuse Services Options
More Information on Health Care Services
- Dental Services
- Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment
- Healthy Beginnings for Pregnant Women
- Mental Health/Behavioral Health Services
- Medicare Part D Drug Coverage Information
- AIDS/HIV Information and Services
- Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program
- Family Planning Services
- SelectPlan for Women
- Help with Medical Appointments if your English is Limited
- Sign Language Interpreter Services for Medical Appointments
- Substance Abuse Services
- Influenza Pandemic Preparation
- Home and Community Based Services
- Long Term Care Services
- Get a Ride to the Doctor: Medical Assistance Transportation Program
- Contact Information for Medical Assistance Consumers
- Your Privacy Rights
- Phillyhealthinfo.org
- Special Kids Network
- SelectPlan for Women Provider Search
More Information for Individuals and Families on Benefits
- Benefits for Adults Age 21-64
- Benefits for Families, Pregnant Women and Children
- Benefits for Older People and People with Disabilities
- Benefits for Workers with Disabilities
- Support Services Waiver Programs
More Information for Individuals and Families on How Medical Assistance Works
- General Eligibility Requirements for Medical Assistance
- Citizenship Requirements for Medical Assistance
- How to Use the ACCESS Card
- ACCESS Plus Information
- ACCESS Plus Web Site
- Information on Copayments
- HealthChoices Web Site
- HealthChoices General Information
- Dictionary of Medical Assistance Terms
General Information about Health Care/Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania
- News, Bulletins and Announcements
- Integrated Children’s Services Plan
- Medical Assistance Statistical Reports
- Managed Care Info
- Member Benefit Limit Exception Request Form
- PROMISe Info
- Pharmacy Services
- Handbooks, Guides, Forms and Manuals
- Schedules
- Medical Assistance/Medicaid Eligibility Handbook
- Medical Services Questionnaire Information
