What medical insurance can I get?

Most youth in care are eligible for and have Medical Assistance (MA). Once you are out of care, you will need to re-apply at your local county assistance office or online at www.compass.state.pa.us. If you do not qualify for MA, you may still be able to receive MA Adult Basic Coverage.

Where can I get free or low cost medical care if I don't have insurance? Most counties have local health care centers. Please see the 411 section of the Youth Advisory Board website, www.independentlivingpa.org, for clinic locations and addresses near you. These clinics will treat you whether you have insurance or not.

What health care can I get without adult permission? You have the right:

• To consent to (agree to) treatment for substance abuse
• To get contraception and to keep that decision confidential (private)
• To get confidential testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases
• To get confidential HIV testing and treatment
• To consent to confidential medical care related to pregnancy, except abortion (To obtain an abortion, a minor needs the consent of a parent or legal guardian, or a court order, called a ‘judicial bypass.’ For more information about getting a judicial bypass, call the CHOICE hotline at 1-800-84-TEENS or the Women’s Law Project at 215-928-9801.)
• To consent to all mental health treatment and medication if you are 14 or older
• To consent to all medical care except abortion if you have graduated from high school or have been pregnant.

If you are 18 or older, you have the right to consent to all your own medical, dental, and health care.

Where can I get confidential STD and HIV/AIDS testing and services?

See www.safeteens.org/clinics.aspx for locations of clinics in your area.

Where can I get drug and alcohol treatment on my own without an adult?

Call your county office of mental health to find local resources. You can also find out about services in your area by looking at www.dpw.state.pa.us/General/AboutDPW/
DPWOrganization/OMHSAS/003672365.htm
DPWOrganization/OMHSAS/003672365.htm.

Where can I get counseling about reproductive health and family planning?

You can start by calling Planned Parenthood of Pennsylvania at 1-800-230-PLAN and the CHOICE hotline at 1-800-84-TEENS. You can also find other clinics in your area by looking at www.safeteens.org/clinics.aspx.

Last updated: Summer 2007