How Can I Apply For Medical Assistance for My Child?
The following is taken directly from the PH-95 Guide: Getting MA for a Child with a Disability
Why Medical Assistance?
"Medical Assistance (also known as Medicaid or MA) has the broadest coverage of medical and mental/behavioral health services for kids under 18 of any insurance plan. It covers services rarely covered by employer-based insurance such as Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (“Wraparound”), in-home shift nursing or personal care services, diapers, nutritional supplements, prescriptions, and transportation to and from medical appointments. It also covers services like in-home nursing or personal care, physical, speech or occupational therapy without annual or lifetime caps often imposed by other insurance plans. Medical Assistance can be a child’s only insurance or it can be secondary to other coverage, covering those services or equipment not covered by the child’s primary insurance.
Will my Child Qualify?
There is a common misconception that all children with a disability or all children with an IEP (Individual Education Plan) or all children with a particular diagnosis qualify for Medical Assistance. That is not the case. The rules are just not that simple. However, many children with severe disabilities will qualify for Medical Assistance, regardless of their parent’s income.
How Do I Apply?
- Online: Using the COMPASS website, you can apply for MA and many other services that can help you make ends meet.
- Telephone: Call the Consumer Service Center for Health Care Coverage at 1-866-550-4355.
- In-Person: You can contact your local county assistance office (CAO).
- On Paper: You can download an application and send to your local CAO. If you need help completing the application form, a CAO staff member can help you. Click on one of the following links to download an application.
How Can We Save for Medical Expenses?
"The Pennsylvania Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act follows federal legislation that authorizes states to create ABLE programs. Modeled after college savings accounts, ABLE accounts allow individuals with qualifying disabilities and their families to save for a wide range of disability-related expenses. The federal tax-free savings and investment options are offered to encourage individuals with a disability and their families to save private funds to support health, independence and quality of life."
For the first time ever, individuals with disabilities can purchase an ACCESS Card directly from Art-Reach that allows them to receive $2 admission to over 70 museums, gardens, theaters and cultural sites throughout Greater Philadelphia.
