The cost of home care depends on how many hours of help your loved one needs and what kind of care it is. The good news is that there may be more ways to pay than you think.
This guide is a plain-English overview of the main options for non-medical home care in Pennsylvania. Rules and eligibility change, so use it as a starting point and check the details for your own situation.
Medicare
Medicare usually does not pay for non-medical home care, such as help with bathing, dressing or meals, when that is the only care someone needs.
Medicare can cover part-time skilled home health care, like nursing or therapy, for people who are homebound and whose doctor orders it. Ask your loved one’s doctor whether they qualify.
Pennsylvania Medicaid
For people who meet financial and medical requirements, Pennsylvania’s Medicaid long-term care program, Community HealthChoices, may pay for personal care and other support at home.
- Eligibility depends on income, assets and the level of care needed
- Applications can take time, so it helps to start early
- Not every home care agency works with every program, so always ask
- Your local Area Agency on Aging can help you understand the options
Benefits for veterans
Veterans and surviving spouses may be able to get help through the VA, including:
- Aid and Attendance, an extra monthly amount added to a VA pension for people who need help with daily activities
- Homemaker and home health aide care, which may be available through VA health care
A VA-accredited veterans service officer can help you check eligibility and apply, free of charge.
“Start the paperwork early. Many programs take time to approve.”
Long-term care insurance
If your loved one has a long-term care insurance policy, it may cover care at home. Read the policy or call the insurer, and ask:
- 1Does the policy cover home care, and which kinds of care?
- 2What is the daily or monthly benefit, and is there a lifetime limit?
- 3Is there a waiting period before benefits start?
- 4What paperwork is needed from the care provider?
Paying privately
Many families pay for home care themselves, sometimes alongside one of the options above. Starting with a few hours a week and adding more as needed can help keep costs manageable.
For bigger decisions, such as using savings or a home to fund care, a financial advisor or elder law attorney can help you plan.
To see how hours add up over a week, read how much home care costs in Pittsburgh. If a relative provides most of the care, they may be able to get paid for it.
- Medicare usually does not cover non-medical home care.
- Pennsylvania Medicaid may help people who meet financial and medical requirements.
- Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for VA benefits.
- Check any long-term care insurance policy carefully, and start paperwork early.
This article is general information, not financial, legal or medical advice. Program rules and eligibility change over time, so please check the current details with the program or a qualified advisor.
