Healthcare

Many health care providers have moved to conduct an initial virtual or phone consultation during the crisis. This allows people to call or chat about symptoms as a way to triage when in-person care is really needed.

Losing healthcare due to loss of your job or inability to keep your parent/employer’s insurance coverage is considered a qualifying life event and you can register for healthcare through healthcare.gov. You may qualify for a special enrollment circumstance for 30 days and could be eligible for a plan through the Healthcare Marketplace.

If your income or household changed and you have coverage through the Marketplace, update the information online or call 1-800-318-2596 to get instructions on how to adjust your plan. By doing this, you may save some money or even become eligible for free health insurance through Medicaid. Remember that the current enrollment period is November 1, 2020 through December 15, 2020.

If you are uninsured, are a citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR), and meet the income eligibility criteria, you (and your children if applicable) may be eligible for free health insurance under Medicaid. This benefit offers free health insurance coverage for low income individuals and families.

The vast majority of children are eligible for health care coverage under the State Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), even if the parent is not eligible. If you are not eligible but think your children may be, read more about it here.

If you are an international student and need health insurance, contact the International Student Office at your college or explore plans through companies like GeoBlue and isoa.org to obtain coverage.

Access Local Healthcare

BenePhilly Offers support and guidance with social service applications and legal assistance at various local organizations. 1-833-3737-5668

Mazzoni Center Offers care to meet the health and wellness of the LGBTQIA+ community and has served the Philadelphia region for 40 years. Accepts some insurances. Uses sliding scale payments for those who are uninsured. 1348 Bainbridge Street Main: 215-563-0652 Medical: 215-563-0658

Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN) PHAN is Pennsylvania’s only statewide consumer-driven organization working to expand and protect access to high-quality, equitable, affordable healthcare for all Pennsylvanians. If you’ve lost your job or your health insurance due to the pandemic (or for any other reason), you may be eligible for health insurance through the ACA marketplace or Medical Assistance (Medicaid), but you need to act quickly! Call their helpline at 877-570-3642 or contact them by email at helpline@pahealthaccess.org.

Philadelphia Health Centers City health centers are operated by the Department of Public Health and accept Medicare, Medicaid, HMO plans, as well as most other insurance options. Uses sliding scale payments for those who are uninsured. Check out locations and hours here.

Pennsylvania Health Law Project PHLP provides free legal services to low-income consumers, seniors, and persons with disabilities who are having trouble accessing publicly funded healthcare coverage or services. If you are denied or terminated from enrollment in a publicly funded healthcare programs or if you have a service denied, reduced, or terminated, PHLP may provide you free direct representation on your appeal. Call their helpline at 1-800-274-3258 or contact them by email at staff@phlp.org.

Unity Recovery Offers free online recovery meetings at least five times daily for virtual substance abuse recovery support. The organization is also hosting specialized support video-conferences for families, women, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The meetings are not recorded and attendees can verify their attendance by filling out this form.

Additional Resources

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia 24/7 COVID-19 Hotline

1-800-722-7112

City of Philadelphia Coronavirus 24/7 Helpline

1-800-722-7112

Opioid treatment support NET Community Care

844-533-8200 or 215-408-4987

Use this list to find additional free or income based health clinics, public health department clinics and community health centers in Philadelphia.

Care for your mental health

The rapidly changing news, fear of illness, and the impacts of social distancing are likely to have mental health impacts on everyone, especially within households who are already living with mental illness. It is important to check in with yourself and your loved ones, take breaks when you need it, and seek help.

If immediate help is needed, please reach out to the following crisis lines:

Crisis Text Line: Text ‘PA’ to 741741 for help 24/7

Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: 1-800-662-4357

Disaster Distress Helpline: Call 1-800-985-5990 or text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746

Mental Health Delegate hotline: 215-685-6440

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

Pennsylvania Support & Referral Helpline for COVID-19: 855-284-2494

Philadelphia Warm-line: 1-855-507-9276 or 1-855-507-3945

Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255

Your college may already be partnered with a teletherapy platform and can provide you a discount. Be sure to look at their student resources or wellness pages to see if they are providing services that fit your needs.

Local Mental Health Resources

The Attic Offers free counseling resources for LGBTQIA+ young adults in the Philadelphia area. 215-545-4331 Email: counseling@atticyouthcenter.org

Children’s Crisis Treatment Center Offers behavioral health services to children and their families. 1080 North Delaware Avenue, Suite 600 215-496-0707

Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services Offers compassionate care and services for children and adults with intellectual disability, mental illness, and/or substance abuse issues.

Mental Health Delegate Hotline 215-685-6440 (24/7)

Healthy Minds Philly Offer free and anonymous online behavioral health screenings to check your emotional wellbeing regardless of zip code, insurance or income status.

LiveWell Foundation Offers free video-based, peer support groups to individuals living with depression and anxiety in the Philadelphia area. Learn about the best support group for you here.

NAMI Keystone PA Offers virtual groups for various regions in Pennsylvania that are free to register and attend. They also have a comprehensive guide about mental health and COVID-19. 1-888-264-7972 Monday - Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

PhillyMag Virtual Therapy List Offers a list of low-cost and free online therapy options. Some options are free, while others have a sliding scale or a set price per session.

Radical Therapy Center Offers trauma informed, client-centered services, such as counseling, workshops, and fireside chats that have an intentional anti-oppression lens. Learn about scheduling an appointment here.

Care for your physical health

Staying active can help with feelings of isolation. In addition to your college or university’s recreation center offerings, many fitness companies are compiling free online services, such as yoga and other workouts, that can be done at home. Here are some quick links we’ve found:

• Core Power Yoga

• 305 Fitness - Dance workout

• YMCA

• Reebok

• Lifetime

Still in need of help? Check out the other sections of the Philadelphia Local Guide.

Please note: Edquity does not endorse nor is Edquity associated with any business, organization, product or service that is mentioned in these Guides. Edquity is not responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the information provided, which may change over time. We encourage you to contact the business or organization listed to receive the most up-to-date information.