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Paid Family Caregiving in Pennsylvania

Navigating the process to get paid for caring for a loved one can be challenging. This guide is designed to answer common questions about how you can receive compensation for your caregiving efforts through Pennsylvania's Medicaid waiver programs.

To start, your loved one must be assessed and found eligible for a Pennsylvania Medicaid waiver program that covers in-home care, such as Community HealthChoices (CHC), the OBRA Waiver, or the Consolidated Waiver.

The official first step is to contact the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB) at 1-877-550-4227 to begin the eligibility assessment. Once approved, you would be hired as an employee by a state-licensed home care agency, like Avondale Care Group, which manages your employment and payment.

This depends on the specific Medicaid waiver program your loved one is enrolled in:

  • Under the Community HealthChoices (CHC) and OBRA waivers, spouses are generally not eligible to be paid caregivers.
  • However, the Consolidated Waiver, which supports individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism, does allow spouses to be paid for providing care.

Payment rates vary by program, your location in Pennsylvania, and the policies of the home care agency. Generally, hourly pay for family caregivers ranges from $10 to $15 per hour. Depending on the number of approved hours, the maximum weekly pay can be up to $700.

Yes, Pennsylvania Medicaid does pay for family caregivers, but indirectly. Medicaid provides the funding to state-licensed home care agencies like Avondale Care Group, and those agencies then formally employ and pay eligible family members for the services they provide.

Eligibility requirements apply to both the person receiving care and the caregiver.

  • For the Care Recipient (Your Loved One):
    • Must be a Pennsylvania resident.
    • Must meet the age and financial requirements for Medicaid.
    • Must be assessed as needing a level of care typically provided in a nursing facility.
  • For the Family Caregiver:
    • Must be an adult (typically 18+).
    • Must be able to pass required background checks.
    • Must be willing to be employed and paid through a home care agency.

Paid family caregivers assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) to help their loved one live safely at home. This often includes:

  • Bathing, dressing, and grooming
  • Meal preparation and feeding
  • Medication reminders
  • Mobility assistance
  • Light housekeeping and errands
  • Transportation

 

Important Note: Navigating Medicaid waivers can be complex. Contacting the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB) is the required first step to determine eligibility. A knowledgeable home care agency like Avondale Care Group can also provide guidance on the process.

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