Pennsylvania has announced a significant expansion of its Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) by adding a new insurer, WellKids by PA Health & Wellness. This development aims to provide families with more options for affordable health coverage during a time when many struggle to ensure their children’s healthcare needs are met.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) confirmed that WellKids has joined the network of managed care organizations that offer CHIP coverage throughout the Commonwealth. This addition follows the state’s first CHIP re-procurement since 2013, enhancing the range of plans available to families seeking healthcare for their children and teenagers.
Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the DHS, emphasized the importance of accessible health care, stating, “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 provides a vital lifeline so that kids can get insured and have access to the medical care that will help them grow up healthy.”
Comprehensive Coverage for Families
CHIP serves children and teenagers up to age 19 who do not qualify for Medicaid, offering free or low-cost coverage based on family income. Notably, no family earns too much to qualify. Parents can select a plan that suits their specific needs, with coverage that includes routine checkups, immunizations, emergency care, mental health services, as well as dental, vision, and hearing care.
WellKids by PA Health & Wellness, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, brings extensive experience from operating Medicaid plans, including Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices program. The new CHIP plan will be available to families in all 67 counties, providing preventive, routine, urgent, and emergency medical and behavioral health services, along with comprehensive dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage.
State officials highlighted the significance of WellKids’ National Committee for Quality Assurance accreditation, including its Health Equity designation, which played a crucial role in its selection. This accreditation reflects a commitment to quality care and equitable access for all families.
Increased Choices and Accessibility
Beginning in January 2026, CHIP will be delivered 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. This expansion introduces increased competition among insurers, allowing families more flexibility in selecting a plan that aligns with their doctors, pharmacies, and children’s healthcare needs.
As thousands of children in Pennsylvania rely on CHIP for essential doctor visits, prescriptions, and preventive care, the addition of WellKids is seen as a strengthening of a program that remains a cornerstone of child health across the state. Families seeking more information about WellKids by PA Health & Wellness can call 1-855-445-1920 or visit their website at https://www.pahealthwellness.com/.
This strategic move not only enhances healthcare access for children but also reinforces Pennsylvania’s commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of its youngest residents.
