The Community Ecosystem

Getting Free Health Insurance

CHIP, Medicaid, and what you're probably entitled to

Millions of Philadelphia residents qualify for free or very low-cost health insurance but don't know it. If your family has a low or moderate income, you or your children almost certainly qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.

Practical next steps

  1. Understand the two main programs

    (1) Medicaid (Medical Assistance in PA) — free health coverage for low-income individuals and families. Covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health, dental, and vision. (2) CHIP — health coverage for children and teens up to 18 whose families earn too much for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance.

  2. Check if you qualify

    A family of 4 earning up to about $36,000/year likely qualifies for Medicaid. Up to $55,000/year may qualify for CHIP. Check at pennchoices.com or call 1-800-986-KIDS.

  3. Apply through COMPASS

    Apply for Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and other benefits at compass.state.pa.us. Free, secure, available in multiple languages.

  4. Gather your documents before applying

    You'll need: proof of identity, Social Security numbers, proof of income, and proof of Pennsylvania residency. Apply first and submit documents after if needed.

  5. Use the coverage immediately once approved

    Once approved, you'll receive an ACCESS card. Use it for all healthcare — doctor visits, prescriptions, emergency care, dental, and mental health.

  6. Renew your coverage annually

    Medicaid and CHIP must be renewed each year. Complete renewals on time to avoid a coverage gap.

  7. If you're 19–26 and uninsured, check parent's plan

    Under the Affordable Care Act, parents can keep children on their insurance until age 26, even if the child doesn't live at home.

Resource starting points

Organizations featured in this guide

  • PA Department of Human Services (COMPASS)

    Apply for Medicaid, CHIP, and other public benefits online or by phone at 1-866-550-4355.

  • Health Partners Plans

    The main Medicaid managed care organization in Philadelphia — find in-network doctors, get a card, manage your coverage.

  • 2-1-1 Pennsylvania

    Call or text 2-1-1 for free in-person enrollment help with Medicaid, CHIP, and marketplace insurance.

  • Pennie

    Pennsylvania's insurance marketplace — subsidized plans for those who don't qualify for Medicaid.

Helpful things to know

Dental is included for people under 21

PA Medicaid covers comprehensive dental care for people under 21. Find a Medicaid dentist at apps.hhs.pa.gov/providerLocator.

Enrollment help is available in person

Free enrollment navigators can help you apply in person at community locations. Call 2-1-1 for a referral.

Common questions

Can undocumented people get health coverage?

Undocumented adults are not eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, but Emergency Medicaid covers emergency care. PHMC's Health Federation has free clinics serving all patients.

Will applying for Medicaid affect my immigration status?

For most visa categories, using Medicaid does not affect immigration status. Consult an immigration attorney if you have specific concerns.

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