There are several ways to successfully submit an application for medical assistance on behalf of a Pennsylvania child. By following a few simple steps, you can maximize the chance of your application being approved and avoid accusations of fraud. Submitting an application that answers every question, avoids hiding any facts and includes supporting documentation will give your child the best chance of being approved for medical assistance.
Instructions
1. Contact the county assistance office in the county the child resides in. Ask if the child must have a determination of eligibility from supplemental security income to qualify for medical assistance. While the processes and requirements of each county office may vary, the Pennsylvania Health Law Project recommends having your child screened for supplemental security income eligibility prior to applying for medical assistance.
2. Call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213. When you hear the automated menu, press zero. When you hear the next menu press one. You can speak to a Social Security agent between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Explain you are calling to find out know if a child is eligible for SSI for the purposes of medical assistance and ask the agent for SSI eligibility screening over the phone. The agent will make an appointment with you so a screener can call to interview you. Write-down the appointment date and have the documentation prepared for the phone interview. Documentation required may include financial indicators of parents, children and other adults residing with the child. Documents such as pay stubs, bank balances or investment and property valuations may be helpful. If it is determined that the child does not to meet SSI criteria, request a written letter from the screener stating the determination.
3. Obtain form PA600CH by printing it from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare online, contacting the county assistance office where your child resides, or by calling The Healthy Kids Help Line at 800-986-5437. Use a blue or black pen. At the top of the first page write, "MA for the disabled child", or "MA FOR DISABLED CHILD HANDBOOK SECTION 355.4." Fill in all of the fields of the form neatly and accurately using information from verifiable sources such as IRS tax returns. Attach copies of any medical insurance coverage cards associated with the child. Medical reports documenting the child's disability and signed by signed by a medical doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist should also be included with the application.
4. Mail or deliver the completed form and all documentation to the local county assistance office. If mailing, send it certified mail or get a mailing certificate. If you deliver the application to the county assistance office, ask for a receipt. Many counties review applications annually so if your application is not accepted, you may be able to request reconsideration.
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