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Low-Cost Insurance Programs

The following low-cost insurance programs are available to uninsured children and adults who qualify.

Click on each program's name to obtain more information about eligibility and registration. Also, ask insurance carriers in your county if they offer low-cost coverage for young adults.

Behavioral HealthChoices
Mental health and drug and alcohol services provided via the HealthChoices program differ from the physical health component of the HealthChoices program. For mental health and drug and alcohol services, each county contracts with a Managed Care Organization (MCO). Once you are enrolled with the MCO, you continue to have choices as to who provides your services.

Health Insurance Marketplace
If you do not have health insurance or have purchased a policy yourself because you are self-employed or your employer doesn’t provide it, you may be able to buy a policy through your state’s insurance marketplace. Go to the Health Insurance Marketplace or call 800-318-2596.

Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
Medical Assistance (MA), also referred to sometimes as Medicaid, provides payment for health care services on behalf of eligible low-income individuals with limited income and high medical expenses.

Medicare
Our Medicare section offers comprehensive, official information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The official government handbook, 'Medicare & You,' includes sections on Medicare coverage choices, choosing a prescription plan, financial assistance, your Medicare rights, and more.

For more information about the Medicare Advantage Plans, other Medicare Health Plans, or Medicare Prescription Drug Plans available in your area, visit medicare.gov on the Web or call (800) MEDICARE (800-633-4227). TTY users should call (877) 486-2048.

Learn more about private insurance enrollment for Medicare D.

The APPRISE Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program offers free individual counseling about Medicare and other health-care issues. APPRISE counseling is available in every county in Pennsylvania. Find an APPRISE counselor in your county, or call (800) 783-7067.

Pennsylvania Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Pennsylvania's program to provide health insurance to uninsured children and teens who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance. Nine out of 10 CHIP parents report satisfaction with their child's health plan, and 96% received an appointment for check-ups and vaccinations as soon as they wanted. There are a lot of reasons kids might not have health insurance - maybe their parents lost a job, don't have health insurance at work or maybe it just costs too much. Whatever the reason, CHIP may be able to help. All families need to do is apply today.