Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced that WellKids by PA Health & Wellness will join the network of managed care organizations (MCOs) offering health coverage through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This addition follows the first CHIP re-procurement since 2013 and expands the number of affordable health coverage options available for children across Pennsylvania.
“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. There are a lot of reasons a child or a family may not have health insurance, and 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,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “When parents and families have more affordable health coverage options for their children, they have access to important preventive care, emergency care, and more. I encourage parents and caregivers whose children may need health coverage to explore the new options available through CHIP this year.”
CHIP is a health insurance program for children and teens who are not eligible for Medicaid. CHIP provides affordable or no-cost health coverage through age 19. CHIP covers essential care like routine check-ups and well visits, immunizations, prescriptions, emergency care, mental health services, and dental, vision, and hearing screenings and care.
A family’s income determines the monthly cost of coverage, and no family makes too much for CHIP coverage. When families apply for CHIP for their children, they can pick a CHIP insurance plan that best meets their needs.
PA Heath & Wellness, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, was newly selected as an MCO for CHIP and will operate under the brand name WellKids by PA Health & Wellness. Leveraging its experience as a Medicaid MCO, including participation in Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices program, PA Health & Wellness will serve all counties across the Commonwealth.
WellKids by PA Health & Wellness will provide a full range of services, including preventive, routine, urgent, and emergency care for medical and behavioral health, as well as dental, vision, and pharmacy services.
PA Heath & Wellness has achieved National Committee for Quality Assurance accreditation, including Health Equity Accreditation, demonstrating a strong commitment to quality and equitable care.
Effective January 2026, CHIP will operate with a network of nine MCOs: Aetna, Capital Blue Cross, Geisinger Health Plan, Health Partners Plan, Highmark, Keystone First, United Healthcare, UPMC, and PA Health & Wellness. These MCOs will provide comprehensive health care coverage for eligible children statewide.
For more information about WellKids by PA Health & Wellness, call 1-855-445-1920 or visit the PA Health & Wellness website.
For more information, including how to apply for CHIP, visit DHS’ website.