Medical Assistance (MA) is Pennsylvania's Medicaid program.
It provides health insurance to eligible Pennsylvania residents. Eligibility can depend on factors including income, household size, age, pregnancy, disability, and other circumstances. Medical Assistance can provide comprehensive healthcare coverage, including many medical, behavioral health, prescription, dental, and vision services. Some people can also have Medical Assistance in addition to another type of health insurance, with Medical Assistance acting as secondary coverage.
How Do I Apply?
You can apply:
Online through COMPASS
By phone at 1-866-550-4355
Through the Montgomery County Assistance Office
Using a paper application
You don't have to know whether you qualify before applying. Pennsylvania will review your information and determine your eligibility.
What Should I Have Available?
Depending on your situation, you may be asked for documentation such as:
Proof of identity
Proof of Pennsylvania residency/address
Proof of income
Information about household members
Information about other health insurance
Information about certain benefits or other sources of income
The exact documents needed depend on the program and your individual circumstances.
What Happens After I'm Approved?
Many Pennsylvania Medical Assistance recipients receive their healthcare through HealthChoices, Pennsylvania's Medicaid managed-care program. You'll have a managed care organization, or MCO, that administers your coverage. Your MCO has its own network of doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers, so it's important to know which Medicaid plan you have, not just that you have Medicaid.