CLS represents people who have legal problems obtaining Medical Assistance, also known as MA or Medicaid. We also represent those who are experiencing difficulty obtaining medical services for which they are eligible.
How We Can Help
What to Bring
Before you call or visit CLS, please gather any paperwork you think may be relevant, including:
- Any letters or notices you have received recently from the County Assistance Office (CAO) regarding Medicaid benefits or coverage.
- Recent pay stubs if you have them
- A recent bank statement
Where To Get Help
- WALK IN INTAKE
Community Legal Services
North Philadelphia Law Center
1410 West Erie Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Mondays and Wednesdays
9:00 am -12:00 pm
- PHONE INTAKE
Community Legal Services
215-981-3700
Thursdays 9:00am – 12:00pm
Your call will be returned within 2 business days.
About Medicaid
Medical Assistance is health insurance administered by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW). Individuals who meet eligibility requirements can receive Medical Assistance. Generally, individuals must be low-income to receive Medical Assistance, and many people who do not receive Medical Assistance may actually be eligible. Individuals can apply online at www.humanservices.state.pa.us or at their local County Assistance Office. If you are denied, you should appeal and seek help (more information on how to get help is found below).
Medical Assistance provides a variety of health care benefits at little or no cost to you. While the package of benefits depends on the type of Medical Assistance, many people have coverage that allows them to see doctors, to stay in the hospital, to have surgery, to fill prescriptions, to obtain lab work, to receive mental health treatment, and more!
Additional Resources
Do I Need a Medical Form to Get Medicaid?
Health Centers in Philadelphia
Medicaid Eligibility Checklist
Medicaid Eligibility for General Assistance Recipients
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities
Application for Benefits – English
Application for Benefits – Spanish
Domestic Violence Verification Form
Employability Assessment Form – English
COMPASS Medical Assistance Application
To access DPW forms, including an application for benefits that you can print out, go to www.dpw.state.pa.us/findaform/index.htm. Find the application by searching for form 600P.
If you do not have health insurance, you may be able to access low-cost care through the City of Philadelphia Health Centers. Learn more at http://www.phila.gov/health/AmbulatoryHealth/index.html
Maternity Care Coalition – www.maternitycarecoalition.org/
Pa Partnerships for Children – www.papartnerships.org/
Pennsylvania Health Law Project – www.phlp.org
Pennsylvania Health Access Network – www.pahealthaccess.org/
Philadelphia Legal Assistance – www.philalegal.org
Public Citizens for Children and Youth – www.pccy.org/
Women’s Law Project – http://www.womenslawproject.org/
