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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Pennsylvania | Expat Exchange
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11 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Pennsylvania

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 21, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Pennsylvania is generally considered to be on par with the rest of the United States. Pennsylvania has a wide range of medical facilities, from small community hospitals to large academic medical centers. Emergency services are generally reliable and well-equipped, and ambulances can be called by dialing 911.

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How are healthcare services Pennsylvania?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Pennsylvania, they replied:

"Pennsylvania offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and preventive care. The state is home to some of the best hospitals and medical facilities in the country, including the University of Pennsylvania Health System, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, and Allegheny Health Network. These hospitals offer a variety of services, from emergency care to advanced treatments for cancer and other serious illnesses. Additionally, Pennsylvania has a number of community health centers that provide quality care to underserved populations. These centers offer primary care, mental health services, and preventive care, as well as specialty care for chronic conditions," said one expat.

What are medical services in Pennsylvania like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Pennsylvania, they replied:

"Pennsylvania offers a wide range of medical services to its residents. The state has a large network of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide comprehensive care for a variety of medical needs. Pennsylvania also has a number of specialty care centers that focus on specific areas of medicine, such as cancer, heart disease, and mental health. Additionally, the state has a variety of home health care services available to those who need assistance with daily activities. Pennsylvania also has a number of programs and initiatives in place to help those who are uninsured or underinsured access the medical care they need," commented one expat who moved to Pennsylvania.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Pennsylvania?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Pennsylvania can be expensive. The cost of healthcare services and health insurance premiums vary depending on the type of coverage and the provider. Generally, health insurance premiums tend to be higher in Pennsylvania than in other states, and the cost of healthcare services can also be high. Additionally, Pennsylvania has some of the highest prescription drug costs in the country," mentioned one expat in Pennsylvania.

What are emergency services like in Pennsylvania?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Pennsylvania wrote:

"In Pennsylvania, emergency services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 from any phone. The operator will ask for your location and the nature of the emergency. They will then dispatch an ambulance to your location. Emergency services in Pennsylvania are provided by local fire departments, police departments, and ambulance services," remarked one expat in Pennsylvania.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Pennsylvania is home to a wide variety of medical specialists, with some of the best selections located in the cities of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown. In Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania Health System and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia are two of the most renowned medical centers in the country, offering a wide range of specialists in all areas of medicine. Pittsburgh is home to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, which is one of the largest medical centers in the United States, and offers a wide range of specialists in all areas of medicine. Allentown is home to Lehigh Valley Health Network, which is one of the largest health networks in the state, and offers a wide range of specialists in all areas of medicine," commented one expat who moved to Pennsylvania.

Are common prescription medications available in Pennsylvania?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Pennsylvania. Pharmacies in the state are able to fill prescriptions for a wide variety of medications, including those for common conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. Many pharmacies also offer generic versions of brand-name medications, which can be more affordable for patients. Additionally, Pennsylvania residents may be able to access certain medications through their health insurance plans," remarked one expat living in Pennsylvania.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Pennsylvania?

"Pennsylvania has a wide range of medical facilities and medical care options available to its residents. The state is home to some of the top-ranked hospitals in the country, including the University of Pennsylvania Health System, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, and Allegheny Health Network. Additionally, Pennsylvania has a large network of community health centers, providing quality care to underserved populations. The state also has a variety of specialty care centers, such as cancer centers, children's hospitals, and trauma centers. Overall, Pennsylvania offers a high level of medical care and access to quality medical facilities," mentioned one expat in Pennsylvania.

As a foreigner living in Pennsylvania, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Pennsylvania, you will have access to public healthcare. Pennsylvania offers a variety of public health insurance programs, including Medical Assistance (MA), Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and HealthChoices. These programs provide access to a wide range of health care services, including preventive care, doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. The quality of care provided by these programs is generally good, and the cost of care is usually lower than private insurance," remarked one expat living in Pennsylvania.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Pennsylvania if they have access to public healthcare in Pennsylvania. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Pennsylvania during the pandemic have been mostly positive. The healthcare providers in my area have been very responsive to my needs and have been willing to answer any questions I have had. I have been able to access telehealth services for my appointments, which has been very convenient. The healthcare providers have also been very accommodating in terms of scheduling appointments and providing me with the necessary information to make informed decisions about my health. Overall, I have been very pleased with the care I have received from the local healthcare system in Pennsylvania during the pandemic," wrote an expat living in Pennsylvania.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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