How Do I Apply for Medicaid Health Care Insurance in Pennsylvania?

Medicaid health care insurance helps some Pennsylvania residents with low incomes pay for medical care. Recipients must meet income guidelines and other eligibility criteria. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare website or contact your local Department of Public Welfare office for information about eligibility criteria. Medicaid pays for services like inpatient hospitalization, outpatient visits to doctors, laboratory tests, home health care and hospice services, mental health care, prescription drugs and some dental care for qualified recipients.

Things You'll Need

• Application
• Photo ID
• Birth certificate
• Proof of residency
• Proof of income
• Proof of living expenses

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Instructions

• 1

  Download an application from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare website or use the Compass program to apply online. If you prefer, you can pick up an application from any Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare office.

• 2

  Complete the application. Do not leave out any information. If you need help completing the application, ask for assistance at the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare office in the county in which you live.

• 3

  Mail or fax your completed application to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare office in the county in which you live or drop it off in person. Submit your application online if you apply using the Compass program.

• 4

  Provide the requested documentation along with your completed application, including a photo ID such as a driver's license, your birth certificate, proof of residency, proof of any income and proof of your living expenses. If you need help getting any of the necessary documentation, ask for assistance at the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare office in the county in which you live.