Can a family member get paid to be a caregiver in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Under Pennsylvania's Medicaid Community HealthChoices (CHC) program and Personal Assistant Services (PAS), adult children, relatives, and trusted friends can be hired and paid as caregivers for Medicaid-eligible loved ones. Legal spouses and legal guardians are excluded by state regulations. Karma HomeCare specializes in helping families enroll in this program at no cost to the family.

How much does a paid family caregiver earn in Pennsylvania with Karma HomeCare?

At Karma HomeCare, paid family caregivers earn between $12.70 and $16.00 per hour depending on experience and care level required. Benefits include a 401K retirement plan, comprehensive medical insurance, 1 week paid vacation, time-and-a-half holiday pay, and 24/7 direct management support.

What Medicaid plans does Karma HomeCare accept in Pennsylvania?

Karma HomeCare accepts UPMC Community HealthChoices, AmeriHealth Caritas, and PA Health & Wellness managed care plans. These are the three primary Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) administering the Community HealthChoices (CHC) program in Pennsylvania.

What counties does Karma HomeCare serve in Pennsylvania?

Karma HomeCare serves Cumberland, Dauphin, York, Lebanon, Perry, Adams, Franklin, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Washington County in Maryland (Hagerstown area). Primary offices are located in Carlisle, Shippensburg, and Philadelphia, PA.

How do I apply for the Paid Family Caregiver program with Karma HomeCare?

To apply, call Karma HomeCare at 717-966-1601 or complete the online eligibility form at karmahomecare.com. The team will verify your Medicaid eligibility, guide you through the CHC enrollment process, and connect you with a care coordinator. The enrollment process typically takes 30 to 90 days.

Is Karma HomeCare a veteran-owned business?

Yes, Karma HomeCare LLC is a veteran-owned home care agency based in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The agency brings the same dedication, discipline, and commitment to its clients and caregivers that was developed through military service.

Can a spouse be a paid caregiver in Pennsylvania?

Under Pennsylvania's Community HealthChoices (CHC) program, legal spouses are generally not eligible to be paid as caregivers for their partner. However, adult children, siblings, other relatives, and trusted friends who are not the legal guardian can be enrolled as paid caregivers. Contact Karma HomeCare at 717-966-1601 to discuss your specific situation.

What is the Community HealthChoices (CHC) program in Pennsylvania?

Community HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvania's Medicaid managed care program for adults aged 21 and older who need long-term services and supports (LTSS). It allows eligible individuals to receive home and community-based care instead of nursing home placement, and includes the option to hire a family member or trusted friend as a paid personal assistant caregiver through agencies like Karma HomeCare LLC.

Caring for a Family Member at Home in Pennsylvania: A Practical Guide

Jul 20
2 min read

This guide offers practical, educational information for Pennsylvania families exploring non-medical in-home support. It is not medical, legal, financial, or benefits advice. Program eligibility, benefits, provider participation, and caregiver payment options depend on an individual assessment and applicable program rules.

When might in-home support help?

Families often seek non-medical home care when a loved one needs help with daily routines, companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, mobility, respite, or reminders. The right arrangement depends on the person’s needs, goals, schedule, care plan, and support network.

Understanding Community HealthChoices

Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices program is designed to increase opportunities for older Pennsylvanians and people with physical disabilities to remain at home and in their communities. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services explains that a person may be eligible if they are 21 or older and meet specific Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term-services-and-supports criteria.

Eligibility is not automatic. Age, Medicare and Medicaid status, waiver status, assessed needs, clinical criteria, and other factors can affect whether Community HealthChoices applies. Use the official Pennsylvania Department of Human Services resource for current information and enrollment help.

Support for family caregivers

Pennsylvania’s Caregiver Support Program provides resources and assistance for people with primary caregiving responsibilities. The Commonwealth says the program may include respite care, formal and informal supports, and reimbursement for eligible out-of-pocket caregiving-related costs. Local Area Agencies on Aging administer the program and can help families begin an assessment.

Questions to ask a home-care provider

Ask which non-medical services are currently available in your city or ZIP code; how needs are assessed; how schedules and caregiver changes are handled; how families receive updates; and which payment or program questions must be confirmed by the relevant public program or plan.

How Karma HomeCare can help

If you live in a community Karma HomeCare currently serves, our team can discuss non-medical home-care needs, scheduling support, and whether a consultation is appropriate. We will provide clear information about available services and next steps without promising eligibility, payment, coverage, or outcomes.

Official sources

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Community HealthChoices: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/medicaid/chc

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania — Apply for the Caregiver Support Program: https://www.pa.gov/services/aging/apply-for-the-caregiver-support-program

Pennsylvania Area Agencies on Aging directory: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/aging/local-resources/area-agencies-on-aging-