The financial burden for family caregivers can be immense, and fortunately, government assistance for caregivers of elderly parents is available in Pennsylvania. 

One of the most rewarding experiences you can have in life is to give loving care to a family member or loved one. As a family caregiver, you are in the best position to ensure that a loved one gets the best possible quality care. Seniors who need care also appreciate the support and compassion that only a family member can provide. 

Moreover, serving as a caregiver allows you to spend quality time with your loved ones. Professional caregivers are well-trained and compassionate, but that’s not enough to make some seniors feel comfortable with a stranger helping them. Family-provided caregiver services also eliminate the worry that strangers might not be as caring, attentive, or sympathetic as a family member would be. 

If family caregiving seems right for your family, we’re outlining how government assistance for family caregivers can give you and your senior loved ones much-needed peace of mind. 

Medicaid and Home Care

The Medicaid program is a joint program between the state of Pennsylvania and the federal government that serves low-income people of all ages. 

The state of Pennsylvania offers several different long-term care programs for Pennsylvania seniors through the Medicaid program. Each program has slightly different eligibility requirements, each with its own set of benefits. The eligibility for various programs varies depending on seniors’ marital status. 

Here is a snapshot of Medicaid programs in Pennsylvania:

• Nursing home level of care. This level of care is an entitlement under Medicaid as long as you meet the income eligibility requirements.
• In-home and community-based services. This level of services is funded under Medicaid Waivers/Home and Community-Based Services which provides in-home, adult day care, or assisted living services. The program allows for a limited number of participants, and there may be a waiting list.
• Services for the blind and disabled. The regular Medicaid program is an entitlement for those who are blind or disabled at any age. This level of care can be provided at home or in an adult care facility.

Does Medicaid Pay for In-Home Care?

According to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, residents of Pennsylvania pay an average of $24 per hour for in-home care. 

Which areas of the state are the most expensive for in-home care services? 

• State College
• Erie
• Stroudsburg
• Philadelphia

Seniors who need care in these areas can expect to pay $25 an hour or more.

 The costs are slightly less in the following areas at between $23.75 – $24.50. 

• Lancaster
• Allentown
• Pittsburgh
• Harrisburg
• York area 

The most affordable areas for home care cost between $21 and $23  per hour.  The areas where you can find the most affordable home care services are in:

• Lebanon
• Williamsport
• Chambersburg
• Altoona
• Bloomsburg
• Scranton 

Regardless of where you live, professional home health care services cost about the same as in-home care services.

Medicaid and Community HealthChoices

There are ten support service waivers under the Pennsylvania state waiver program. The Community HealthChoices Waiver (CHC) now encompasses three former waiver programs including:

• Aging Waiver
• Attendant Care Act/150 Waiver
• Independence Waiver

CHC is a managed care program that serves individuals age 21 and older who are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare as long as they meet the criteria for needing a certain level of assistance. 

The state of Pennsylvania administers Medicaid managed care via three private healthcare insurance companies including: 

1. Amerihealth Caritas (called Keystone First in Philadelphia)
2. UPMC
3. PA Health and Wellness

Does Pennsylvania Allow Family Members to Be Caregivers and Get Paid Through Medicaid?

Fortunately, Pennsylvania is one of the states that allows for family caregivers through the Medical assistance program. The legislators and state agency leaders recognize the economic and health benefits that seniors gain when a family member has the means and ability to provide care for a loved one. They know that family caregiving services improve the quality of care and support for seniors because they have a greater comfort level with someone they know well. 

Does Medicaid Waiver and/or Pennsylvania State Pay Family Caregivers Directly?

Family caregivers may not be paid directly via Medicaid Waivers or the state of Pennsylvania. Home care agencies such as GoodHands Home Health Care hire family caregivers, and the state reimburses the agencies for services.

Family caregivers become employees of home health care agencies. As employees, they receive regular paychecks, and they’re viewed the same as other employees. If the agency offers benefits, family caregivers get them as well. 

At GoodHands Home Health Care, we’re eager to help you explore your options and get approved so you can get started taking care of your loved one as soon as possible. We even offer a comprehensive training and development program to ensure high-quality caregiving. Contact us today at (610) 285-1095!