Why Was I Denied Health Coverage Based on Income in PA?

I applied for insurance through medicaid because I am only making about $8,000.00 and have returned to college to change careers due a severe decline in business. Previously when I had the money I paid myself. The last few years my life has changed drastically and I have no one to help me. There are so many people that have free care for everything for years and years and unbelievably when you need help you can not get it. What can I do?