How to Apply for Medicaid Coverage in Pennsylvania

Medicaid is a state-run program that offers medical bill assistance to certain eligible, low-income people. There are stipulations that must be met before Medicaid is given. You must officially apply for Medicaid with the state, which can be done more than one way. You must also have financial information pertaining to your income and your medical expenses available when you apply. Applying is free and can be done even if you aren't sure if you qualify.

Things You'll Need

• Income information
• Medical expense information

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit the state of Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare website. See the Resource section of this article for a link. Make sure you are on the "Health Care/Medical Assistance" page of the site, which has all the links and information you need to apply.

• 2

  Click on the "COMPASS" link. COMPASS is the official website of Pennsylvania aid to low-income individuals. This site has an application that can be filled out and submitted online. The home page of the site has an "Apply Now" link that will start your application. All you need to do is fill out the application and submit it. You will also be given information to check on the status of your application via this website. For another way to apply, proceed to the next step.

• 3

  Click on the "County Assistance Office" link on the web page from Step 1. This is the office to contact directly for personal assistance on your application or for applying. You can have them send you an application in the mail. Once you get to their site, scroll down until you find your county, and use the contact information to call or send them a letter. For another option to apply, proceed to the next step.

• 4

  Click on the "Application for Cash Assistance, Food Stamps and Medical Assistance Benefits" to download a PDF version of the application to be printed from your computer and filled out. You can still contact the County Assistance Office with any questions you have while filling out the form. When you are finished, send it to your County Assistance Office.