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 to Choose a Caregiver in York County PA: A Family Guide for 2026

Jul 15
2 min read

How to Choose a Caregiver in York County PA: A Family Guide for 2026

Choosing a caregiver for an elderly parent or disabled family member in York County, Pennsylvania is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Whether you are considering a home care agency, an independent caregiver, or the Pennsylvania Medicaid paid family caregiver program, this guide will help York County families understand their options and make a confident informed choice.

Option 1: Hire a Home Care Agency in York County

A licensed home care agency like Karma HomeCare LLC handles all caregiver recruitment, background checks, training, payroll, insurance, and compliance on your behalf. This is the safest and most reliable option for most York County families. When evaluating agencies, ask whether they are enrolled with Pennsylvania Medicaid managed care plans, whether caregivers are W-2 employees or independent contractors, what their response time is for after-hours emergencies, and whether they have local management in York County.

Option 2: Get Paid to Be the Caregiver Through Pennsylvania Medicaid

For York County families whose loved one has Pennsylvania Medicaid, the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Paid Family Caregiver program is often the best option. Under this program, a trusted family member such as an adult child, sibling, grandchild, or close friend can be hired and paid as a personal assistant caregiver through Karma HomeCare. The caregiver receives $12.70 to $16.00 per hour with full benefits, and the family pays nothing out of pocket. Medicaid covers the entire cost.

5 Questions to Ask Any Home Care Agency in York County

Before choosing a home care agency in York County, ask these five questions: (1) Are you enrolled with UPMC Community HealthChoices, AmeriHealth Caritas, and PA Health and Wellness? (2) Are your caregivers W-2 employees with workers compensation coverage? (3) Do you conduct criminal background checks and drug screenings on all caregivers? (4) Do you have local management available 24/7 for emergencies? (5) Can a family member be hired as the caregiver if my loved one has Medicaid? Karma HomeCare answers yes to all five questions.

Red Flags When Choosing a Caregiver in York County

Be cautious of any home care provider in York County that cannot confirm Medicaid enrollment, classifies caregivers as independent contractors rather than employees, has no local office or local management team, requires large upfront deposits, or cannot provide references from current York County clients.

Karma HomeCare Serves All of York County

Karma HomeCare serves families throughout York County including York city, Hanover, Red Lion, Dallastown, Spring Grove, Shrewsbury, New Freedom, Stewartstown, and Dillsburg. Call 717-966-1601 or visit karmahomecare.com to learn whether your York County family qualifies for the paid family caregiver program at no cost to you.