Apply for Medicaid Benefits | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Source: https://www.pa.gov/services/dhs/apply-for-medicaid-benefits
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
Apply for Medicaid Benefits | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Apply for Medicaid Benefits
Helping Pennsylvanians access high quality health care and supportive services to live an enriching, productive life.
Apply for Medicaid
Renew Medicaid
Overview
Medicaid is a health care program and allows you manage your health and get care when needed.
Medicaid (also called Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania) is a healthcare program that helps eligible people access physical and behavioral healthcare and other supportive services that they need to live well.
Medicaid serves as a vital safety net for the health and well-being of individuals and families facing financial challenges.
Medicaid helps to provide access to comprehensive healthcare coverage. Most people who qualify for Medicaid will use HealthChoices to access physical healthcare, like annual checkups, care when you’re sick, or appointments to manage other illnesses or health needs. Once you apply for Medicaid, if you’re eligible, you’ll be able to
pick a HealthChoices managed care organization
to access care.
Medicaid also provides access other important services that people meet their individual health needs through care and services for:
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment for children and adults (Behavioral HealthChoices)
Long-Term Supports and Services for Older Pennsylvanians and adults with physical disabilities (Community HealthChoices)
Autistic Pennsylvanians
Pennsylvanians with Intellectual Disabilities
Pregnant people
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (@pahumanservices)
APPLY FOR MEDICAID
Apply online using COMPASS
COMPASS is an online platform which makes it easy to apply for, or renew, your benefits.
Apply via COMPASS
See if you qualify
Eligibility
General Requirements
Based on factors such as income and employment, you may be eligible to receive Medicaid health benefits.
Medicaid eligibility is based on factors such as a person’s income, family size, age, and disability status. Eligibility for Medicaid can vary based on a person’s specific circumstance, and the best way to find out if you or your loved one are eligible is to complete an application.
The Department of Human Services can help you through the process to determine your eligibility, but as you apply, it’s helpful if you have an idea of how you or your loved one may qualify for Medicaid. This could be based on a need for health insurance, your income, a disability, a need for long-term care, or something else.
No matter your circumstance, there are things you’ll need to have available when you’re ready to apply for Medicaid for yourself and/or a loved one. Be prepared to submit information that verifies your identity, your income, whether you are a U.S. Citizen or legal resident, your Social Security Number, as well as information about anyone else who lives in your household
Eligibility based on Modified Adjusted Gross income (MAGI):
Children aged 18 and under
Pregnant women
Parents and caretakers of children under 21
Adults ages 19-64 with incomes at or below 133 percent of the Federal Income Poverty Guidelines (FPIG)
Family planning services
Eligibility not based on MAGI
Individuals 65+
Individuals who are blind and/or disabled
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD)
Individuals receiving long-term care (LTC)
Individuals receiving home and community-based services (HCBS)
Income Requirements
Medicaid eligibility is determined using income and household size in comparison to income limits set by the federal government.
Examples of income counted when determining eligibility include:
Wages and income
Spouse’s income (if living in the same household)
Interest & dividends on investments
Social Security
Veterans' Benefits (except in some cases)
Pensions
Examples of income not counted when determining eligibility include:
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits
Foster Care payments
Certain housing or utility subsidies
Weatherization Payments
Child Support Payments (only for MAGI MA)
Your Resources
Resources are also sometimes considered when applying for Medicaid. Resources include money contained in bank accounts, life insurance, vehicles, owned property (aside from your primary residence), and more.
When you’re completing your application, the Department of Human Services will tell you if your application needs a review of resources based on your specific circumstances.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Your Identity
Your identity can be verified by PA driver's license, PA identification card, or a government-issued passport.
Your Social Security Number (SSN)
A SSN must be provided for each person applying for Medicaid (with some exceptions). If you don’t have a social security number, reach out to your local County Assistance Office to apply for one.
Your PA Residency
Medicaid is available to Pennsylvania residents, regardless of how long you’ve been a Pennsylvania resident.
Your Citizenship
Medicaid is available to United States citizens, refugees, and lawfully admitted non-citizens. Other non-citizens may be eligible for limited Medical Assistance benefits if an emergency medical condition exists. U.S. citizens, refugees and lawfully admitted non-citizens may need to submit documentation proving U.S. citizenship or lawful non-citizen status if their citizenship can’t be verified through electronic sources.
Your Household
Your local County Assistance Office can help determine who the mandatory or optional budget group members are, based upon household relationships and individual needs, when you apply for Medicaid.
Income limits for specific eligibility groups
Pregnant Women and their children
Workers with Disabilities (MAWD)
Older People and People with Disabilities
Medicaid for Children with Special Needs
Medicaid for Children with Special Needs (PH95) provides full and free Medical Assistance (MA) coverage to children up to age 18 with disabilities whose parents make too much money to qualify for traditional Medicaid categories.
Medicaid for Children with Special Needs
Application Process
There are a few ways you can apply for Medicaid.
If you’re looking for standard health coverage, you can apply online via COMPASS, in-person at a County Assistance Office, by phone, or via mail.
If you are applying for Medicaid coverage because of an intellectual or physical disability or certain health condition (like a breast cancer diagnosis), there may be different materials to submit. Learn more:
Intellectual disabilities and autism
Physical disabilities and long-term care for Older Pennsylvanians
Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Program
No matter your specific situation, when you are applying for Medicaid, you may need the following information ready to help you complete your application:
Proof of household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
Federal tax filing information
Social Security Numbers and date(s) of birth for yourself and/or the person you are applying for
Current or recent health insurance information (if available)
Proof of citizenship and identity
This can be a birth certificate, driver's license, or other state-issued ID
Non-U.S. Citizens must provide documentation showing lawful residence in the U.S.
Resource information, such as bank accounts, vehicles, homes, property, life insurance, etc.
Apply for Medicaid
You can apply online, in-person, on the phone, or through the mail.
Apply Online
Use our quick, easy, and secure COMPASS website.
Apply Online
Apply by Telephone
Call the Consumer Service Center for Health Care Coverage at 1-866-550-4355
1-866-550-4355
Apply In-Person
Your local county assistance office (CAO) have professionals that will help you apply.
Find You County Assistance Office
Apply by Mail
Download, fill out, and print a paper application then send it to your local County Assistance Office.
Download a form (PDF)
Track your application status
After you apply for benefits, you can check your application at any time. Go to trackmybenefits.pa.gov to see updates on your LIHEAP, Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF application.
Check your status
Frequently Asked Questions
Medicaid covers a broad range of physical and behavioral health services, including doctor visits when you’re sick, preventive care like health screenings, vaccines, hospital stays, prescription medications, mental health and substance use disorder care, and more.
Check coverage details for:
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment
Dental Service
HealthChoices
Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program
Home and Community-Based Services
Limited English and Interpreters
Medical Assistance Transportation Program
(MATP)
Medical Assistance Benefits for Workers with Disabilities
Medical Assistance for Children and Pregnant Women
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Prescription Drug Coverage
If you apply for and qualify for Medicaid, you'll get more information about how to use your benefits and have the opportunity to pick a HealthChoices
managed care organization (MCO)
, to help you coordinate your care. Your MCO works with providers, and you can contact your MCO to find doctors in your community.
If you are not eligible or lost your Medicaid/Medical Assistance coverage, you may be able to get low-cost or even no-cost health coverage through
Pennie
™, Pennsylvania’s official health and dental insurance marketplace.
Pennie’s open enrollment runs from November through January every year, but depending on your personal situation, you may qualify for a special enrollment period.
Contact
By Phone- statewide
Got questions about applying for Medicaid? Call the Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 or 215-560-7226 in Philadelphia,
Call: Statewide Customer Service Center
By Phone- Philadelphia
Got questions about applying for Medicaid? Call the Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 or 215-560-7226 in Philadelphia,
Call: Philadelphia Customer Service Center
County Assistance Office
Your local county assistance office (CAO) can answer most questions and directly help you.
Find Your CAO
Online
Submit an online feedback form and someone will contact you.
Submit a form
Related Services
Pick a HealthChoices MCO
Behavioral HealthChoices
Community HealthChoices
Physical HealthChoices
Long-term Care
CHIP
Autism Services
Intellectual Disabilities Services
Apply for Medicaid Benefits
Helping Pennsylvanians access high quality health care and supportive services to live an enriching, productive life.
Apply for Medicaid
Renew Medicaid
Overview
Medicaid is a health care program and allows you manage your health and get care when needed.
Medicaid (also called Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania) is a healthcare program that helps eligible people access physical and behavioral healthcare and other supportive services that they need to live well.
Medicaid serves as a vital safety net for the health and well-being of individuals and families facing financial challenges.
Medicaid helps to provide access to comprehensive healthcare coverage. Most people who qualify for Medicaid will use HealthChoices to access physical healthcare, like annual checkups, care when you’re sick, or appointments to manage other illnesses or health needs. Once you apply for Medicaid, if you’re eligible, you’ll be able to
pick a HealthChoices managed care organization
to access care.
Medicaid also provides access other important services that people meet their individual health needs through care and services for:
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment for children and adults (Behavioral HealthChoices)
Long-Term Supports and Services for Older Pennsylvanians and adults with physical disabilities (Community HealthChoices)
Autistic Pennsylvanians
Pennsylvanians with Intellectual Disabilities
Pregnant people
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (@pahumanservices)
APPLY FOR MEDICAID
Apply online using COMPASS
COMPASS is an online platform which makes it easy to apply for, or renew, your benefits.
Apply via COMPASS
See if you qualify
Eligibility
General Requirements
Based on factors such as income and employment, you may be eligible to receive Medicaid health benefits.
Medicaid eligibility is based on factors such as a person’s income, family size, age, and disability status. Eligibility for Medicaid can vary based on a person’s specific circumstance, and the best way to find out if you or your loved one are eligible is to complete an application.
The Department of Human Services can help you through the process to determine your eligibility, but as you apply, it’s helpful if you have an idea of how you or your loved one may qualify for Medicaid. This could be based on a need for health insurance, your income, a disability, a need for long-term care, or something else.
No matter your circumstance, there are things you’ll need to have available when you’re ready to apply for Medicaid for yourself and/or a loved one. Be prepared to submit information that verifies your identity, your income, whether you are a U.S. Citizen or legal resident, your Social Security Number, as well as information about anyone else who lives in your household
Eligibility based on Modified Adjusted Gross income (MAGI):
Children aged 18 and under
Pregnant women
Parents and caretakers of children under 21
Adults ages 19-64 with incomes at or below 133 percent of the Federal Income Poverty Guidelines (FPIG)
Family planning services
Eligibility not based on MAGI
Individuals 65+
Individuals who are blind and/or disabled
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD)
Individuals receiving long-term care (LTC)
Individuals receiving home and community-based services (HCBS)
Income Requirements
Medicaid eligibility is determined using income and household size in comparison to income limits set by the federal government.
Examples of income counted when determining eligibility include:
Wages and income
Spouse’s income (if living in the same household)
Interest & dividends on investments
Social Security
Veterans' Benefits (except in some cases)
Pensions
Examples of income not counted when determining eligibility include:
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits
Foster Care payments
Certain housing or utility subsidies
Weatherization Payments
Child Support Payments (only for MAGI MA)
Your Resources
Resources are also sometimes considered when applying for Medicaid. Resources include money contained in bank accounts, life insurance, vehicles, owned property (aside from your primary residence), and more.
When you’re completing your application, the Department of Human Services will tell you if your application needs a review of resources based on your specific circumstances.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Your Identity
Your identity can be verified by PA driver's license, PA identification card, or a government-issued passport.
Your Social Security Number (SSN)
A SSN must be provided for each person applying for Medicaid (with some exceptions). If you don’t have a social security number, reach out to your local County Assistance Office to apply for one.
Your PA Residency
Medicaid is available to Pennsylvania residents, regardless of how long you’ve been a Pennsylvania resident.
Your Citizenship
Medicaid is available to United States citizens, refugees, and lawfully admitted non-citizens. Other non-citizens may be eligible for limited Medical Assistance benefits if an emergency medical condition exists. U.S. citizens, refugees and lawfully admitted non-citizens may need to submit documentation proving U.S. citizenship or lawful non-citizen status if their citizenship can’t be verified through electronic sources.
Your Household
Your local County Assistance Office can help determine who the mandatory or optional budget group members are, based upon household relationships and individual needs, when you apply for Medicaid.
Income limits for specific eligibility groups
Pregnant Women and their children
Workers with Disabilities (MAWD)
Older People and People with Disabilities
Medicaid for Children with Special Needs
Medicaid for Children with Special Needs (PH95) provides full and free Medical Assistance (MA) coverage to children up to age 18 with disabilities whose parents make too much money to qualify for traditional Medicaid categories.
Medicaid for Children with Special Needs
Application Process
There are a few ways you can apply for Medicaid.
If you’re looking for standard health coverage, you can apply online via COMPASS, in-person at a County Assistance Office, by phone, or via mail.
If you are applying for Medicaid coverage because of an intellectual or physical disability or certain health condition (like a breast cancer diagnosis), there may be different materials to submit. Learn more:
Intellectual disabilities and autism
Physical disabilities and long-term care for Older Pennsylvanians
Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Program
No matter your specific situation, when you are applying for Medicaid, you may need the following information ready to help you complete your application:
Proof of household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
Federal tax filing information
Social Security Numbers and date(s) of birth for yourself and/or the person you are applying for
Current or recent health insurance information (if available)
Proof of citizenship and identity
This can be a birth certificate, driver's license, or other state-issued ID
Non-U.S. Citizens must provide documentation showing lawful residence in the U.S.
Resource information, such as bank accounts, vehicles, homes, property, life insurance, etc.
Apply for Medicaid
You can apply online, in-person, on the phone, or through the mail.
Apply Online
Use our quick, easy, and secure COMPASS website.
Apply Online
Apply by Telephone
Call the Consumer Service Center for Health Care Coverage at 1-866-550-4355
1-866-550-4355
Apply In-Person
Your local county assistance office (CAO) have professionals that will help you apply.
Find You County Assistance Office
Apply by Mail
Download, fill out, and print a paper application then send it to your local County Assistance Office.
Download a form (PDF)
Track your application status
After you apply for benefits, you can check your application at any time. Go to trackmybenefits.pa.gov to see updates on your LIHEAP, Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF application.
Check your status
Frequently Asked Questions
Medicaid covers a broad range of physical and behavioral health services, including doctor visits when you’re sick, preventive care like health screenings, vaccines, hospital stays, prescription medications, mental health and substance use disorder care, and more.
Check coverage details for:
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment
Dental Service
HealthChoices
Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program
Home and Community-Based Services
Limited English and Interpreters
Medical Assistance Transportation Program
(MATP)
Medical Assistance Benefits for Workers with Disabilities
Medical Assistance for Children and Pregnant Women
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Prescription Drug Coverage
If you apply for and qualify for Medicaid, you'll get more information about how to use your benefits and have the opportunity to pick a HealthChoices
managed care organization (MCO)
, to help you coordinate your care. Your MCO works with providers, and you can contact your MCO to find doctors in your community.
If you are not eligible or lost your Medicaid/Medical Assistance coverage, you may be able to get low-cost or even no-cost health coverage through
Pennie
™, Pennsylvania’s official health and dental insurance marketplace.
Pennie’s open enrollment runs from November through January every year, but depending on your personal situation, you may qualify for a special enrollment period.
Contact
By Phone- statewide
Got questions about applying for Medicaid? Call the Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 or 215-560-7226 in Philadelphia,
Call: Statewide Customer Service Center
By Phone- Philadelphia
Got questions about applying for Medicaid? Call the Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 or 215-560-7226 in Philadelphia,
Call: Philadelphia Customer Service Center
County Assistance Office
Your local county assistance office (CAO) can answer most questions and directly help you.
Find Your CAO
Online
Submit an online feedback form and someone will contact you.
Submit a form
Related Services
Pick a HealthChoices MCO
Behavioral HealthChoices
Community HealthChoices
Physical HealthChoices
Long-term Care
CHIP
Autism Services
Intellectual Disabilities Services