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Healthcare
Updated: Aug 6
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.
If you do not have health insurance, you may be:
Eligible to enroll in a healthcare plan during the extended open enrollment period (February 15-August 15, 2021). Visit www.healthcare.gov to learn more or seek assistance through your local community health center or the Health Federation of Philadelphia (navigator@healthfederation.org; 215-977-7255).
You can also apply for Medicaid using MyCompass PA app or calling BenePhilly.
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.
If you are undocumented, contact Puentes de Salud for free and low-cost healthcare services.
1700 South St.
Clinic Appointments: 215-454-8000
Local healthcare resources
Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc. Offers medical, dental, behavioral healthcare, and pharmacy services.
One Sight Offers glasses at no charge for individuals at participating LensCrafters, Target Optical, Sears Optical, or Pearle Vision. A referral is required. 888-935-4589 info@onesight.org
Delaware Valley Community Health, Inc. Offers healthcare and wellness services using a sliding scale to minimize the financial barriers of obtaining medical care. Find the location nearest you here. 215-684-5344
Sayre Health Center Offering healthcare services for anyone who is uninsured or underinsured on a sliding scale. 227 S. 59th St. 215-474-4444
Congreso de Latinos Unidos Offers assistance with housing counseling, rapid rehousing through the Office of Homeless Services referrals, tax preparation assistance, breast-feeding and parenting education, healthcare services, and support and advocacy for survivors and children exposed to domestic abuse and violence. 216 W. Somerset St. 215-763-8870 267-765-2272 info@congreso.net
BenePhilly Offers support and guidance with social service applications and legal assistance at various local organizations. 2761 North 22nd St. (mobile unit) 833-373-5668
Mazzoni Center Offers care to meet the health and wellness of the LGBTQIA+ community and has served the Philadelphia region for 40 years. The center accepts some insurances and uses sliding scale payments for those who are uninsured. 1348 Bainbridge St. 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. Contact by phone 877-570-3642 or email at helpline@pahealthaccess.org for assistance.
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. The centers use 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 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
800-722-7112
City of Philadelphia Coronavirus 24/7 Helpline
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.
Access 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 counseling@atticyouthcenter.org
Children’s Crisis Treatment Center Offers behavioral health services to children and their families. 1080 North Delaware Ave., 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 (available 24 hours per day)
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. 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.
Access to 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:
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.
