1-800-GO-BASIC

In June 2001, the Health Investment Insurance Act (Act 77 of 2001) was signed into law.  Act 77 was an initiative that invested the proceeds of the state’s tobacco settlement in the health of Pennsylvania consumers.  Pennsylvania is receiving approximately $11 billion over the course of 25 years, or approximately $400 million each year.  The single largest component of the Act provides money to pay for health insurance for uninsured Pennsylvanians between the ages of 19 and 64.  

The program, called adultBasic, was designed to provide health insurance for adults meeting certain eligibility requirements and who do not have healthcare coverage.  It is administered by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. Through contracts with four insurance companies throughout the state, adultBasic offers basic benefits including preventative care, physician services, diagnosis and treatment of illness or injury, in-patient hospitalization, out-patient hospital services, emergency accident and medical care.

On August 28, 2007, the Insurance Department advised that an "offer of coverage" was being made to 35,000 individuals on the adultBasic waiting list.  The offer of coverage was extended to those who were determined eligible and placed on the waiting list through April 30, 2006.  Individuals to whom the offer was extended were to receive notification in the mail offering them the opportunity to participate in adultBasic by paying a monthly premium of $33.50.

Individuals are encouraged to continue to apply for the adultBasic program.  Only those who have been determined eligible have the opportunity to purchase the coverage at cost -- and without affecting their position on the waiting list and to be screened for potential eligibility for Medicaid.

Applications can be made online here ... or call 1-800-GO-BASIC.

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