If you are looking after a parent or relative at home, you may be able to get paid for some of that care. In Pennsylvania it is possible, but only through certain programs, and the rules about who can be paid are strict.
Here is a plain-English overview of the main routes, and where to start.
Through Pennsylvania Medicaid (Community HealthChoices)
Community HealthChoices is Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program for long-term care. For people who qualify, it can pay for personal assistance at home. Your loved one generally needs to be 21 or older and meet both financial requirements and a level-of-care requirement.
Under some options, the person receiving care can choose their own caregiver, and that can be a family member or friend. Their health plan decides how many hours are covered, based on their needs.
Who can and cannot be paid
- Adult children, grandchildren, siblings, other relatives and friends can usually be paid caregivers
- A spouse cannot be paid through Community HealthChoices
- Neither can the person’s legal guardian, power of attorney or representative payee
Paid caregivers also need to meet requirements, such as background checks, before they can start.
How to apply
- 1Ask for an assessment. Call Pennsylvania’s Independent Enrollment Broker on 1-877-550-4227 to request an assessment for long-term services at home.
- 2Complete the financial application. This goes to your County Assistance Office, or you can apply online through COMPASS.
- 3Choose a health plan. Once approved, talk to the plan about who will provide care.
- 4Keep records. Keep copies of everything, and note who you spoke to and when.
Programs for veterans
If your loved one is a veteran, VA programs may help. The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers can provide a monthly stipend to eligible family caregivers of veterans with a serious service-connected injury. Veteran Directed Care lets eligible veterans manage a budget and hire their own caregivers, which can include family members.
The VA Caregiver Support Line (1-855-260-3274) or a VA-accredited veterans service officer can help you check eligibility.
Other help for family caregivers
The Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program, run through local Area Agencies on Aging, can help eligible family caregivers with some costs, such as supplies or respite. It does not pay a wage, but it can lighten the load.
And if what you mostly need is rest, respite care gives you time off while a trained caregiver steps in. Our article on caregiver burnout explains why that break matters.
“Caring for someone you love is real work. It is worth asking what help is available.”
- In Pennsylvania, family members can sometimes be paid through Community HealthChoices if the person needing care qualifies.
- Spouses, legal guardians, powers of attorney and representative payees cannot be paid through the program.
- Families of veterans may get help through VA caregiver programs.
- Start early. Assessments and applications take time.
This article is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Program rules and eligibility change over time, so please check the current details with the program or a qualified advisor.
