Financial Assistance: Family Health Coverage Program
The Family Health Coverage Program at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia assists uninsured and underinsured families to enroll into Pennsylvania Medical Assistance, Free Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Low Cost CHIP Program on-site at Children's Hospital's Main Campus.
The Medical Assistance and CHIP programs currently have different provider networks, different benefits and different eligibility criteria. In general, parents with very low incomes qualify for Medical Assistance for their children; families with slightly higher incomes are eligible for CHIP. Families who already have insurance coverage and are in need of additional insurance coverage may be eligible under the state "loophole guidelines" if the child has a qualified medical condition or is chronically ill.
Hours
Family Health Coverage Program representatives are available on-site Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Appointments
For more information about the program or to schedule an appointment to meet with a representative, call the Family Health Coverage Program Hotline at 1-800-974-2125 or 267-426-0359. You may also e-mail us at fhcp@email.chop.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other financial assistance is available?
Public health insurance and other state or federally funded programs are available to those who qualify. In addition to applying for Charity Care, families can receive help applying for public health insurance and other forms of assistance through the Department of Family Health Coverage Programs.
Who qualifies for Charity Care?
Eligibility is determined based on income level, available assets and other financial circumstances of a patient/family. Even if you have health insurance, you may still qualify for Charity Care for amounts not covered by your insurance. Eligibility is based on a family's income level, available assets and other financial circumstances.
Who will help me during the application process?
The Department of Family Health Coverage Programs will assign a coordinator to help you apply for available publics and private assistance programs and Children's Hospital Charity Care.
How can I contact the Department of Family Health Coverage Programs?
Please call 1-800-974-2125 or 267-426-0359 or visit the office at:
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Main Building, First Floor, Room 1190
Office hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
After hours pager number: ext. 14326
What paperwork must I have to determine if I qualify for Charity Care?
You must complete the Charity Care application and supply other required documents. The Family Health Coverage coordinator will give you a list of required documentation, answer your questions and monitor your application process.
How do I learn if my family qualifies for Charity Care?
You will receive a formal notification letter in the mail. Your Family Health Coverage coordinator will be available to help you review your notification letter and answer any questions you might have.
How long does the application process take?
Although the entire process may take several weeks, you can be considered for Charity Care as soon as you complete the application, which usually takes less than an hour. Be sure to contact the Department of Family Health Coverage Programs as soon as possible. Final determination will not be made until the entire application is completed.
Are there any rules or exceptions to what is covered under Charity Care?
Prescriptions - It is important to note that although prescriptions are covered, they must be prescribed by a Children's Hospital physician and filled at the Children's Hospital pharmacy.
Research - Anyone who is participating in a grant study that provides healthcare coverage must use that coverage. Charity Care will not cover an expense that is eligible to be covered through research.
For more information or to confirm that your services are covered, please consult your Family Health Coverage coordinator.
Must I receive services at Children's Hospital to receive assistance applying for public medical insurance?
No. Children's Hospital is committed to assisting children and families. As a service to community members, the Department of Family Health Coverage Programs will assist any child or adult who needs help applying for public health insurance. Please call or visit the office so a Family Health Coverage coordinator can help you apply.
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