How to Get Health Insurance in Pennsylvania if You Are Hard to Insure

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department offers a state-sponsored health insurance plan called PA Fair Care. This plan serves an adult population, considered hard to insure because they have pre-existing health conditions that prevent them from obtaining coverage elsewhere. PA Fair Care will cover preventive care, physician services, diagnostic testing, hospitalization, mental health services and prescriptions. Enrollment is limited to 3,500 individuals due to funding constraints and is administered by Highmark Blue Shield. If PA Fair Care is unavailable to you, find an insurance broker who can help you find health insurance.

Instructions

• 1

  Check to see if you meet eligibility requirements for the PA Fair Care plan. These eligibility requirements, as listed on the PA Insurance Department's website, include U.S. citizenship, Pennsylvania residency, a pre-existing health condition and uninsurability for the previous six months.

• 2

  Apply for PA Fair Care health insurance coverage. Go to their website to apply and obtain information (see Resources). If you do not have Internet access, apply by telephone at 1-888-767-7015 (TTY 1-888-767-7018) Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m.

• 3

  Complete the application. Have your Social Security number, current and recent health insurance information and proof of citizenship handy to answer the application questions. Follow the instructions to complete the online application, e-Form # H7720952. You will provide information and answer questions on where you live, contact information, prior health insurance coverage and current health conditions. Click "Submit e-Form" upon completion.

• 4

  Wait for written notification from the State of Pennsylvania stating your approval or denial of coverage. If you have any questions about eligibility, the application process or the plan itself, find answers to frequently asked questions on the PA Fair Care website or call 888-767-7015.

• 5

  Contact a licensed Pennsylvania health insurance agent. To find one, visit the National Association of Health Underwriters' website and use the search feature to find an agent. One will meet with you to discuss your options, obtain several insurance quotes and help you with the application process.