If Medicaid is eliminated or reduced, it will greatly impact the Latino community in Philadelphia neighborhoods like Frankford/Wissinoming (ZIP code 19124), Olney/Lawncrest (ZIP code 19120), Hunting Park/Nicetown/Franklinville (ZIP code 19140), Port Richmond/Richmond (ZIP code 19134), and Mayfair/Millbrook (ZIP code 19149). These are the areas with the highest number of Medicaid users in the state of Pennsylvania. A combination of economic, demographic, and social factors explains why Medicaid usage is higher in this region.
Several experts, including Dr. Jamile Tellez Lieberman, Senior Vice President of Community-Engaged Research and Health Equity, point out:
“Having Medicaid provides accessibility; that access allows our community to receive services they normally wouldn’t be able to afford. Without Medicaid, people lose the opportunity to prevent and treat health issues.”
Meanwhile, Dr. José Torradas, emergency physician and president of the organization Médicos Unidos, adds: “Eliminating Medicaid will make life harder for people in our community. Patients will have to pay high deductibles and then face difficult choices whether to spend that money on healthcare or on other essentials like water, electricity, or food.”
Here’s how eliminating Medicaid could impact the community:
Loss of Access to Essential Medical Services: Many people rely on Medicaid for doctor visits, medications, chronic illness treatment, dental care, and mental health services. Without coverage, they may avoid seeking care due to cost.
Increased Financial Strain on Families: Without Medicaid, families would have to pay high out-of-pocket healthcare costs, potentially leading to debt or having to sacrifice basic needs like food, housing, or education.
More Pressure on Emergency Rooms and Free Clinics: More people would turn to overcrowded ERs or free clinics for care, which are already under strain.
Negative Impact on Children, Seniors, and People with Disabilities: These vulnerable groups depend heavily on Medicaid and would be severely affected.
Local Economic Consequences: Medicaid supports jobs in the local healthcare sector. Eliminating it could mean job losses and less investment in community services.
Families with less money would also spend less locally, reducing economic activity: Widening Health Inequities
Those with fewer resources would suffer the most, deepening the gap in access to quality healthcare.
ZIP code 19124 has the highest number of Medicaid users, almost 4,000 people. This cluster of neighboring ZIP codes represents the area with the highest Medicaid usage in the state.
According to U.S. Census data (2019–2023), about 60% (around 3,000 people) of residents in ZIP code 19140 (Hunting Park) have public health insurance, including Medicaid. That’s significantly higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 30% and the national average of 21%, according to Census data accessed via PolicyMap.
In contrast, only 30.38% of residents in 19140 have private health insurance, compared to 73.0% in Pennsylvania and 67.9% nationally. (Source: healthdatalocal.com)
Here’s a table of the top five ZIP codes in Pennsylvania by number of Medicaid users — all are in Philadelphia:
| Zip Code Tabulation Area | 19124 | PA | 38174 | 54.09 |
| Zip Code Tabulation Area | 19120 | PA | 32427 | 47.67 |
| Zip Code Tabulation Area | 19140 | PA | 31276 | 58.13 |
| Zip Code Tabulation Area | 19134 | PA | 30819 | 54.32 |
| Zip Code Tabulation Area | 19149 | PA | 25817 | 45.11 |
It’s important to highlight that there are many sources of help available. Carmen Fonseca, a counselor with BenePhilly at Esperanza, reminds us:
“People should feel confident to renew and apply for Medicaid assistance. Once the documents are submitted, a response can be received within 30 days or less.”
If you want to apply for Medicaid or have questions about your coverage, here are some helpful resources:
BenePhilly – A free service for Philadelphia residents that offers personalized support to enroll in benefits for food, healthcare, property taxes, heating, prescriptions, and more.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) – Provides information and assistance related to Medicaid.
COMPASS – An online portal to apply for Medicaid and other public benefits.
Pennie – Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace where you can compare plans and check if you qualify for subsidies.
Philadelphia Health Law Project (PHLP) – Offers free legal help with Medicaid-related issues.