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Does Pennsylvania Pay For In-Home Care?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
What is Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices Program?
Who is Eligible for the Program?
To sign up for the Pennsylvania Community HealthChoices program, applicants must be eligible and enrolled in Medicaid, live at home and have a disability that qualifies them for caregiver support. During the intake assessment, enrollees must show that their disability requires in-home assistance, but that all of their needs can be met outside of a residential care facility or nursing home.
Applicants may earn up to 380% of the Federal benefits rate and must be permanent residents of Pennsylvania with a legal residency status in the United States. A HealthChoices worker may visit the applicant’s home to verify residency and safe conditions, and a doctor’s certification of mental or physical disability is usually required before approval can be granted.
Other Community HealthChoices Benefits
The Pennsylvania HealthChoices program helps pay for more than just caregiver assistance for seniors who wish to age in place. Qualified beneficiaries can also reach out through the program to get help with home modifications, assistive technology, meals and nutritional consulting, transportation services and counseling. Program staff can also assist with referrals and some cost support for nursing and rehab services, plus a limited amount of respite care.