How to Apply for a Medicaid Card in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's Medical Assistance or Medicaid card is called the ACCESS card; it is issued to people who are eligible for Medicaid benefits in Pennsylvania. The ACCESS card is used for identification and verification purposes---it contains important information such as the type and amount of medical assistance benefits you are entitled to. You must present this card each time you go to your healthcare provider in order to receive medical services. The application process for a Medicaid card is the same as that of applying for Medicaid benefits.

Instructions

• 1

  Obtain an Application for Benefits packet. Go to Pennsylvania's Department of Public Welfare (DPW) website, download the application and print it out. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access the application. Or call DPW's toll-free hotline at 800-692-7462 to request that an application be mailed to you.

• 2

  Read through the application packet before filling it out. If you have any questions or need help with completing the application, call the toll-free number.

• 3

  Complete the application packet. You'll need to provide your name, address, signature and date on page 1. For pages 2 through 13, you must supply information about all the members of your household, such as income, resources, living expenses, work information and Social Security Numbers. Your local county assistance office needs this information to make a determination about whether or not you qualify for Medicaid.

• 4

  Gather documentation that supports the information you provided in the application. Examples of documentation may include proof of your identity, citizenship, income, resources and living and medical expenses.

• 5

  Locate the county assistance office nearest to you by using the directory titled "County Assistance Offices" on DPW's website or call the toll-free number.

• 6

  Mail or bring your completed application and supporting documents to your local county assistance office for consideration. Your county office will notify you of your Medicaid eligibility status within 30 days of receiving your application. You will receive your ACCESS card once you are approved for benefits.