Pennsylvania is enhancing health care accessibility for its youngest residents as a new insurer joins the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). WellKids by PA Health & Wellness will provide families with additional options for affordable coverage, addressing ongoing challenges many face in insuring their children. The announcement was made by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS).
New Insurer to Broaden Coverage Options
The addition of WellKids follows Pennsylvania’s first CHIP re-procurement since 2013. This expansion increases the number of managed care organizations available, allowing families to choose plans that best meet their health care needs. “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,” stated Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the DHS. “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.”
CHIP serves children and teenagers up to age 19 who are not eligible for Medicaid, offering free or low-cost coverage based on family income. Importantly, no family earns too much to qualify for the program. Coverage includes a wide range of services such as routine checkups, immunizations, emergency care, mental health services, and dental, vision, and hearing care.
WellKids by PA Health & Wellness: A New Player in CHIP
WellKids, operated by PA Health & Wellness—a subsidiary of Centene Corporation—brings considerable experience in managing Medicaid plans, including Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices program. The new CHIP plan will be accessible to families across all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. It will provide preventive, routine, urgent, and emergency medical and behavioral health services, in addition to coverage for dental, vision, and pharmacy needs.
State officials highlighted that WellKids’ accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance, along with its Health Equity designation, significantly influenced its selection. This recognition reflects a commitment to providing quality care and ensuring fair access to healthcare services for all families.
Starting in January 2026, CHIP will be administered through a network of nine managed care organizations, which includes Aetna, Capital Blue Cross, Geisinger Health Plan, Health Partners Plan, Highmark, Keystone First, UnitedHealthcare, UPMC, and PA Health & Wellness. For families, this expansion signifies increased competition among insurers, offering more flexibility in choosing plans that align with their preferred doctors, pharmacies, and individual needs.
For further information about WellKids by PA Health & Wellness, interested families can call 1-855-445-1920 or visit their website at www.pahealthwellness.com.
Thousands of Pennsylvania children rely on CHIP for essential health services, including doctor visits, prescriptions, and preventive care. The introduction of WellKids strengthens a program that continues to be a cornerstone of child health across the Commonwealth.
