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Pennsylvania Health Insurance Information

A wealth of information exists about Pennsylvania health insurance. The commonwealth offers several resources to assist and educate residents about their insurance options. From private individual insurance to state-sponsored plans, Pennsylvania residents, of all ages, can easily find coverage, despite financial and health concerns. State-sponsored options may change, due to funding, so it's best to read up or call the Pennsylvania Insurance Department to learn about these plans.

  1. Finding Insurance in Pennsylvania

    • Pennsylvania residents have many national health insurance plan choices. Depending on where you live, there are five regional Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance carriers in additional to plans such as, Geisinger, Health America, Aetna and United Healthcare, among others. You can obtain quotes and apply for individual health insurance directly on the insurance carriers' websites. You can also work with an insurance agent licensed in Pennsylvania to help you with the research and application process.

    Pennsylvania State-sponsored Health Plans

    • Qualified Pennsylvania residents may enroll in one of several state-sponsored health insurance plans. Medical Assistance, also called Medicaid, is a health insurance option for those who are in need of financial assistance. To apply, you should contact your county assistance office or go to the Pennsylvania's Department of Public Welfare's COMPASS website to apply. If you have been turned down or cannot afford private insurance due to a pre-existing condition, you may qualify for PA Fair Care, a plan available on a on a first come, first served basis for a six-month period.

    Pennsylvania CHIP

    • Pennsylvania offers a Children's Health Insurance Program, CHIP, for children who meet eligibility requirements. Children who cannot obtain coverage through Medicaid and whose parents cannot afford private insurance may qualify for CHIP. CHIP does not have an income limitation so any child, from babies through teens, qualifies if she is uninsured and under age 19, a U.S. and Pennsylvania citizen and does not qualify for Medicaid. The fees are on a sliding scale based on household income. CHIP plans are comprehensive, covering routine, preventive, emergency care and any other health care needs.

    Pennsylvania Resources

    • The Pennsylvania Insurance Department offers a variety of resources to help residents with their health insurance needs. Their website contains several consumer guides useful in explaining health insurance options in Pennsylvania and the different program available in the commonwealth. The department also offers a consumer hotline staffed by representatives who can help you find more information and refer you to other resources as necessary. Lastly, you can email the department with any questions about Pennsylvania health insurance.

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