The Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) Child Helpline helps parents enroll in Medicaid or CHIP for their children, and during the coronavirus crisis, Medicaid for themselves.  The Helpline is also available to answer questions about Medicaid or CHIP coverage, help you find a health care provider – including behavioral health – and provide assistance with insurance problems.  No family makes too much or too little for their children to get health insurance.  Children are eligible if they are citizens OR if they have any current US immigration document, and do not need a social security number to apply.

This is a free service, and we can assist families in any language.

The Helpline number is 215-563-5848, ext. 17.

A few important things to know about Medicaid and CHIP during the coronavirus crisis:

• If you or your children have Medicaid or CHIP, you will not need to submit renewal paperwork to the County Assistance Office until September 15th.  You and/or your children will automatically remain enrolled in the program during that period.  If you have a question, County Assistance staff are working and can take your questions at 215-560-7226.
• If your child is insured by CHIP and you have lost your job or had your hours cut, you may qualify for a lower cost or free CHIP option.  Call the 1-800 number on the back of your child’s insurance card and tell them that your income has been reduced. You will be asked to write a letter about your change in income, and email, fax or put the letter in the mail to your insurance plan.
• If you or your children have Medicaid or CHIP no hospital or medical practice can charge a co-pay for COVID tests or COVID related medical appointments or treatments.

PCCY’s Child Helpline flyers are available in 10 languages and can be found here:

English  •  Arabic  •  Bengali  •  French  •  Indonesian  •  Khmer  •  Mandarin

Portuguese  •  Russian  •  Spanish  •  Vietnamese