Healthcare & Respite

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Coverage for all children through age 19

Children and teens with disabilities (defined by Social Security criteria) are eligible for Medical Assistance. All uninsured children and teens not eligible for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) have access to health insurance. It doesn't matter how much money your family makes. Many will get it free. Others, at low-cost.

If your family doesn't have private or employer-provided health insurance, your children could be covered through Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) up to age 19. The program has expanded, so don't assume that you earn too much to qualify.

Your children may be enrolled in Medical Assistance if your income is below the CHIP guidelines. To learn more about the CHIP program and guidelines click here, click here.

Start planning now for future health coverage

If you do have private or employer-provided health insurance, your child is probably carried on that plan while he or she is still in school. But now is the time to start planning for the day that plan will no longer cover your child's medical expenses. Being proactive will save you anxiety and frustration in the future. No matter which options eventually work for your child, expect that you will need to advocate for good services and care.

To assure adequate healthcare coverage, you should:

Register with the Office of Mental Retardation
Review Your Private Health Insurance Policy

And look into the following resources:

Medicaid
Medicare
Respite Care
Ten Tips for Transitioning To Adult Health Care
Health Care Transition Training Program
Changes in Prescription Coverage
Durable Medical Power of Attorney
Budget Analysis and Updates
Additional Resources

The Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP) provides free legal services and advocacy. Its helpline is available Monday through Friday from 9 to 5 to provide free information, advice, and direct representation to Pennsylvanians having trouble accessing healthcare coverage and services through publicly funded healthcare programs such as Medicaid, CHIP, ABC, etc.

The helpline number is 1-800-274-3258 or 1-866-236-6310 TTY or e-mail PHLP at staff@phlp.org. Go to PHLP's website to access its newsletters, manuals and brochures.

Contact PHLP immediately for assistance in appealing a decision to deny, reduce, or terminate your coverage or services.