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.

Understanding the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Program in Pennsylvania

May 26
2 min read

Understanding the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Program in Pennsylvania

Community HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvania's Medicaid managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) program, designed to help adults aged 21 and older with physical disabilities or chronic conditions live independently in their homes and communities. One of the most valuable benefits of CHC is the ability to hire a family member or trusted friend as a paid personal assistant caregiver.

Who Is Eligible for the CHC Program?

To be eligible for Community HealthChoices, an individual must be: at least 21 years old, enrolled in Pennsylvania Medicaid (Medical Assistance), and require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, or mobility. Eligibility is determined through a home assessment conducted by the individual's Medicaid managed care organization (MCO).

The Three CHC Managed Care Organizations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's CHC program is administered through three managed care organizations (MCOs): UPMC Community HealthChoices, AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania, and PA Health & Wellness. Each MCO covers different regions of the state. Karma HomeCare is an enrolled provider with all three MCOs and can serve families regardless of which plan they are enrolled in.

Personal Assistant Services (PAS) Under CHC

Personal Assistant Services (PAS) is the CHC benefit that allows eligible individuals to hire a family member or trusted friend as a paid caregiver. The caregiver is employed by a home care agency like Karma HomeCare, which handles payroll, taxes, training, and compliance. The individual receiving care (called the 'participant') directs the caregiver's tasks and schedule.

How to Enroll in CHC with Karma HomeCare

To enroll in the CHC Paid Family Caregiver program with Karma HomeCare, call 717-966-1601 or visit karmahomecare.com. Our enrollment team will verify your Medicaid eligibility, coordinate with your MCO, and guide your family member through the caregiver onboarding process. Most families complete enrollment within 30 to 90 days.