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.

How Much Do Family Caregivers Get Paid in Pennsylvania? 2026 Pay Guide

May 26
2 min read

How Much Do Family Caregivers Get Paid in Pennsylvania? 2026 Pay Guide

If you are caring for a family member in Pennsylvania and considering enrolling in the Community HealthChoices (CHC) paid caregiver program, one of your first questions is likely: how much will I actually get paid? The answer depends on the agency you choose, the level of care required, and your experience. Here is a complete breakdown of paid family caregiver pay rates in Pennsylvania for 2026.

Karma HomeCare Pay Rates for Family Caregivers in Pennsylvania

At Karma HomeCare LLC, paid family caregivers earn between $12.70 and $16.00 per hour. The specific rate is determined by the level of care required by the Medicaid recipient and the caregiver's prior experience. Most new caregivers start at $12.70 to $13.50 per hour and can increase their rate over time.

Benefits Beyond Hourly Pay

In addition to competitive hourly wages, Karma HomeCare caregivers receive a comprehensive benefits package including: a 401K retirement savings plan, comprehensive medical insurance, one week of paid vacation per year, time-and-a-half pay on major holidays, and 24/7 access to direct management support. These benefits are not offered by all paid family caregiver agencies in Pennsylvania.

How Are Caregivers Paid?

Karma HomeCare caregivers are paid bi-weekly via direct deposit or paper check. Caregivers are classified as W-2 employees, which means Karma HomeCare handles all payroll taxes, Social Security contributions, and workers' compensation insurance. Caregivers receive a W-2 form at the end of each year for tax filing purposes.

How Many Hours Can a Family Caregiver Work?

The number of hours a paid family caregiver can work per week is determined by the CHC assessment conducted by the Medicaid MCO. Hours are based on the care recipient's documented needs. Most participants qualify for 20 to 40 hours per week, though some individuals with higher care needs may qualify for more. Contact Karma HomeCare at 717-966-1601 to discuss your specific situation.

Start Earning Today

If you are already providing care for a family member in Pennsylvania, you should be getting paid for it. Call Karma HomeCare at 717-966-1601 or visit karmahomecare.com to start the enrollment process. We serve Cumberland, Dauphin, York, Lebanon, Perry, Adams, Franklin, and Philadelphia counties.