Pennsylvania is enhancing its Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) with the addition of a new insurer, providing families with increased options for affordable health coverage. The state’s Department of Human Services announced that WellKids by PA Health & Wellness will join the roster of managed care organizations offering CHIP services, marking a significant expansion in healthcare access for children and teenagers.
New Coverage Options for Families
This development follows Pennsylvania’s first CHIP re-procurement since 2013, which aims to broaden the choices available to families seeking healthcare for their children. According to Dr. Val Arkoosh, the Secretary of the Department of Human Services, “Pennsylvania’s kids deserve the best start in life we can give them, and that begins with making sure they can get health care when they need it.”
CHIP is designed for children and teenagers up to age 19 who do not qualify for Medicaid. The program offers free or low-cost health insurance based on family income, ensuring that no family earns too much to be eligible. Coverage includes a wide array of services such as routine checkups, immunizations, emergency care, mental health services, as well as dental, vision, and hearing care.
WellKids by PA Health & Wellness Joins the Network
WellKids by PA Health & Wellness, operated by PA Health & Wellness—a subsidiary of Centene Corporation—brings extensive experience in managing Medicaid plans, including the state’s Community HealthChoices program. This new CHIP plan will be available to families across all 67 counties in Pennsylvania and will offer a comprehensive range of medical and behavioral health services, alongside dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage.
The selection of WellKids was partly due to its accreditation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, which includes a Health Equity designation, reflecting a commitment to quality and equitable access to healthcare. Starting in January 2026, CHIP will be administered through a network of nine managed care organizations, including Aetna, Capital Blue Cross, Geisinger Health Plan, Health Partners Plan, Highmark, Keystone First, UnitedHealthcare, UPMC, and PA Health & Wellness.
With this expansion, families in Pennsylvania will benefit from increased competition among insurers, allowing them more flexibility in selecting plans that align with their preferred doctors, pharmacies, and specific healthcare needs. The addition of WellKids reinforces CHIP as a vital resource for thousands of children in Pennsylvania, ensuring they have access to necessary medical care, prescriptions, and preventive services.
For more information about WellKids by PA Health & Wellness, families can call 1-855-445-1920 or visit their website at https://www.pahealthwellness.com/.
This initiative underscores Pennsylvania’s commitment to supporting child health and wellbeing, making healthcare more accessible for families throughout the Commonwealth.
