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How to Pay for Healthcare

There are numerous resources available to help you pay for the healthcare needs of you and your family. This page contains information on resources in different categories.  Please click on a link from the list below to find out more information on an items that interests you.


Information on Insurance Alternatives

  • Medical Assistance (Medicaid) - helps defray the rising cost of health care services for eligible low-income individuals that have limited income and high medical expenses.
  • Healthy Beginnings - provides Medical Assistance coverage for pregnant women and infants until 1 year of age.
  • Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) - provides health insurance coverage to uninsured children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medical Assistance and cannot afford private insurance. CHIP is now available for all uninsured children and teens.  No family makes too much to qualify for CHIP; however, income will determine if you are eligible for CHIP for free or for a fee.
  • COBRA - is for when you leave your job or are fired from a job where you had group health insurance.  You are entitled under federal law to a temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates.

How to Apply for Insurance Alternatives

  • Medical Assistance (Medicaid) - is managed by the individual states.  Therefore Pennsylvania residents should apply for the Pennsylvania Medicaid program by using the COMPASS website or by calling the Welfare Helpline at 1-800-692-7462.
  • Healthy Beginnings - is managed by the state of Pennsylvania.  Please refer to our page on the program for additional information on applying for coverage.
  • Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) - website provides detailed information on eligibility requirements for no- and low-cost plans and how to apply for health insurance coverage.
  • COBRA - The federal website devoted to COBRA can provide you with some basic information on applying for this insurance, but health plans are maintained through your former employer.  If you feel that you are eligible for COBRA insurance refer to this website for information and guidance, but you will need to discuss options with your former employer.

Help Paying for Your Prescriptions

Many pharmaceutical companies have patient prescription assistance programs for qualifying patients who cannot afford their prescriptions.  These programs help provide low-cost or free medications to patients in need. There are also some other organizations that provide assistance in paying for prescription medications.  The following websites contain information on how to apply for assistance from pharmaceutical companies and other organizations.


Help Paying for Other Healthcare Related Costs

  • Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) - also known as ACCESS, provides non-emergency medical transportation to eligible residents of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, who do not have other transportation available to them to and from Medical Assistance billable services, including both physical and behavioral health services.  Information on eligibility and applying can be found on the Allegheny County website or by calling 1-888-547-MATP (6287).
  • Vaccines for Children Program - provides vaccines to eligible children for free.