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.

Does Pennsylvania Pay Family Caregivers? What South Philadelphia Families Need to Know

Jun 29
2 min read

One of the most common questions we receive at Karma HomeCare Philadelphia is: does Pennsylvania pay family caregivers? The answer is yes. Pennsylvania has several programs that allow family members to be compensated for the care they provide to a loved one at home. If you are a family caregiver in South Philadelphia, this guide explains exactly how these programs work and how to get started.

Community HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvania primary Medicaid managed care program for adults age 21 and older with physical disabilities, and for seniors age 60 and older. Under CHC Participant-Directed model, care recipients can choose their own caregiver — including a family member. This means a son, daughter, spouse, or sibling can be paid as a professional caregiver. In Philadelphia County, CHC is administered through PA Health and Wellness, UPMC Community HealthChoices, and Keystone First Community HealthChoices.

The rate Pennsylvania pays family caregivers in Philadelphia County typically ranges from $13.50 to $17.00 per hour, depending on the care recipient assessed level of need. Some Philadelphia families qualify for 20, 30, or even 40 or more hours of paid caregiver time per week. Karma HomeCare care coordinators can help you understand what your family may qualify for before you begin the enrollment process.

Karma HomeCare is a licensed family caregiver agency now serving South Philadelphia including Point Breeze, Passyunk Square, Pennsport, Whitman, and Packer Park. We are committed to helping every Philadelphia family access Pennsylvania paid family caregiver programs. Call us at (717) 966-1601 or visit 1902 S 7th St 1st Floor, Philadelphia PA 19148 to schedule a free consultation. If Karma HomeCare has helped your family, we would be grateful if you shared your experience on Google — your review helps other South Philadelphia families find trusted family caregiver support.