1. The right to receive and file an application on the same day that you ask for it.
2. The right to bring someone with you to help you with the MA application.
3. The right to have an application completed by a friend, relative, or official of a hospital, agency, etc. if you are ill or physically or mentally unable to do so.
4. The right to translation services and translated written material.
5. The right to receive coverage beginning with the 3rd month before the application, if you qualify for retroactive MA.
6. The right to have DPW quickly issue a MA card if you have ?˜an immediate need for medical services.??BR>7. The right to receive medically necessary treatment and services without discrimination based on national origin, race, color, sex, or disability.
8. The right to free choice of MA enrolled health care providers unless you are enrolled in the Health Choices Program.
9. The right to be treated with dignity and respect.
10. If you are homeless, the right to apply for MA even if you have no address.
11. The right to have the MA programs explained to you and to receive help in determining the best possible coverage for which you qualify.
12. The right to prior notice of, and a fair hearing to contest, any decision by the MA agency or an MA HMO to deny, terminate, or reduce benefits.
(Pennsylvania Law Project, n.d.)

All decisions regarding the rejection of MA or the reduction or termination of MA must be provided to recipients in writing and with instructions on how to appeal. Recipients have 30 days to file appeals, but if the appeal is filed within 10 days of the date of termination or reduction notice, MA benefits must continue until there is an outcome to the appeal (Parents Involved Network of Pennsylvania, n.d).

Medical Assistance provides valuable health and treatment services to children with disabilities in order to help them to make meaningful progress and to achieve greater independence. As educators, it is important that we provide families with resources about Medical Assistance so that they can pursue the potential benefits and services that the program provides.