Pennsylvania is expanding its health care options for children with the addition of a new insurer to the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). WellKids by PA Health & Wellness will join the network, providing families with more affordable coverage choices amid ongoing challenges in securing health insurance for their children. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services announced this development, part of the state’s first CHIP re-procurement since 2013, which aims to enhance access to health care for children and teens.
Expanding Choices for Families
The inclusion of WellKids broadens the options available to families seeking health care for children up to age 19 who do not qualify for Medicaid. CHIP offers free or low-cost health coverage, with eligibility not determined by income limits, allowing all families to find suitable plans. “Pennsylvania’s kids deserve the best start in life we can give them,” stated Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. “That begins with making sure they can get health care when they need it.”
CHIP covers a range of essential services, including routine checkups, immunizations, emergency care, mental health services, as well as dental, vision, and hearing care. The introduction of WellKids is expected to enhance the program’s capacity to meet the diverse needs of children and their families.
WellKids: A New Option with Proven Experience
WellKids by PA Health & Wellness is operated by PA Health & Wellness, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, which has extensive experience managing Medicaid plans, including Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices program. The new CHIP plan aims to serve families in all 67 counties across the Commonwealth, offering not only preventive and routine medical services but also urgent and emergency care, along with comprehensive behavioral health services and pharmacy coverage.
State officials emphasized that WellKids’ accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance, which includes a Health Equity designation, played a significant role in its selection. This accreditation signals the company’s commitment to providing quality care and equitable access for all children.
Beginning in January 2026, CHIP will be delivered through a network of nine managed care organizations, including Aetna, Capital Blue Cross, Geisinger Health Plan, Health Partners Plan, Highmark, Keystone First, UnitedHealthcare, UPMC, and PA Health & Wellness. This expansion fosters increased competition among insurers, ultimately benefiting families by providing more flexibility in selecting a plan that aligns with their healthcare providers and specific needs.
As thousands of children in Pennsylvania rely on CHIP for essential medical services, the addition of WellKids strengthens a program that is a vital component of child health care in the state. Families interested in learning more about WellKids can call 1-855-445-1920 or visit the website at https://www.pahealthwellness.com/.
This expansion illustrates Pennsylvania’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all children have access to the medical care necessary for healthy development. The introduction of WellKids by PA Health & Wellness marks a significant step in enhancing the health care landscape for the state’s youngest residents.
