UPMC for Kids Reaches 20th Anniversary

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August 3, 2026 – UPMC for Kids, a Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) health plan, has reached its 20th anniversary of providing access to quality care for uninsured children and teens across Pennsylvania.

“Over the past 20 years, UPMC for Kids has strengthened access to high-quality, affordable care by working closely with community partners and reaching families across Pennsylvania. Through ongoing outreach and collaboration, we connect children and families to essential health services where they live,” said Brendan Harris, president of UPMC for You and State Programs. “Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding these efforts so every child can grow up healthy and thrive.”

To commemorate its first 20 years—and to continue its tradition of supporting Pennsylvania communities—UPMC for Kids will host a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 am to 2 pm at the UPMC Health Plan Connect Center in Monroeville. Attendees can enjoy The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium’s Zoomobile, health and wellness resources, games, and appearances from UPMC Health Plan mascots Will and Gabi.

UPMC for Kids coverage includes in-network access to UPMC hospitals, as well as support from UPMC Health Plan's award-winning Health Care Concierge team. Members may also use the UPMC MyHealth 24/7 Nurse Line and virtual provider visits to receive care and support.

In addition, UPMC for Kids members receive these enhanced benefits:

• Health management programs to help monitor conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and ADHD
• The UPMC Health Plan member site, which houses their plan and benefit information, as well as health and wellness tools and resources
• The 24/7 video visit platform, where children up to age 19 can have virtual visits with UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh providers over live video

UPMC for Kids Fast Facts:

• During the past 20 years, UPMC for Kids has provided coverage for more than 200,000 children and teens across more than 130,000 families.
• UPMC for Kids has participated in nearly 6,000 community events since 2006.
• UPMC for Kids has covered:
  • Over 500,000 routine checkups for more than 150,000 children and teens.
  • More than 437,000 immunizations.
  • Over 195,000 eye care visits and 60,000 pairs of glasses.
  • 688,000 visits to a dentist.
  • Braces for 16,000 children.
  • Nearly 2 million prescriptions.
  • Treatment for almost 90,000 broken bones.
  • About 11,000 lead level screenings.

About the Children’s Health Insurance Program

The Pennsylvania Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was established in the 1990s to provide health care coverage for children in families whose incomes exceed Medicaid eligibility thresholds but who cannot afford or do not have access to private coverage. It has a rolling enrollment period, unlike Medicare, Marketplace plans, and many commercial plans that have Open Enrollment periods. Families must renew CHIP coverage every year and will qualify for one of three levels: free, low-cost, or full-cost CHIP.

All uninsured children in Pennsylvania (up to age 19) who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medicaid qualify for insurance through CHIP. There is no income limit and no waiting list to enroll. For information on enrolling a child or teen in CHIP, you can visit our website or call UPMC for Kids at 1-800-978-8762 (TTY: 711).

About UPMC Insurance Services

The UPMC Insurance Services Division serves more than 4.1 million members and is owned and operated by UPMC, a world-renowned health care provider and insurer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The UPMC Insurance Services Division provides commercial products through UPMC Health Plan for both groups and individuals. Its commercial products also include workers' compensation and employee assistance from nationally known Workpartners^®. Government products include Medicare Advantage plans (UPMC for Life); special needs plans for those who are eligible for Medicare and Medical Assistance (UPMC for Life Complete Care and UPMC Community HealthChoices); a Medical Assistance plan (UPMC for You); and Children's Health Insurance Program plans (UPMC for Kids). Community Care Behavioral Health Organization—one of the nation's largest nonprofit managed care behavioral health organizations—is also part of the Insurance Services Division. Community Care offers a full range of services to commercial and Medical Assistance members. For more information, visit upmchealthplan.com.