PA Community HealthChoices Medicaid Waiver: Home Care at No Cost

What Is Community HealthChoices (CHC)?

Community HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvania's statewide Medicaid managed care program for older adults and adults with physical disabilities who need long-term services and supports. It launched in southwestern PA — including Allegheny County — in January 2018 and has since expanded statewide.

CHC replaces older Medicaid waiver programs with a single, coordinated system. It is administered by managed care organizations (MCOs) that contract with the state. In Allegheny County, the MCOs available under CHC include UPMC Community HealthChoices and AmeriHealth Caritas PA, among others.

What CHC covers for home care:

• Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, grooming)
• Companion care and supervision
• Homemaker and household support services
• Respite care for family caregivers
• Transportation to medical appointments
• Some assistive technology and home modifications

Mary Angels Home Care is proud to support Pittsburgh families navigating CHC, providing in-home care, personal care, and companion care services to eligible participants across Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.

Who Qualifies for CHC in Pennsylvania?

Eligibility for CHC is based on three things: age or disability status, Medicaid enrollment, and a documented need for long-term services and supports.

You may qualify if your loved one:

• Is age 21 or older with a physical disability, OR age 60 or older
• Is enrolled in Pennsylvania Medicaid (Medical Assistance)
• Needs help with at least one activity of daily living (ADL) such as bathing, dressing, or mobility
• Lives in the community — not in a nursing facility (though CHC can sometimes help transition someone home)

Income and asset guidelines are set by Pennsylvania's Medicaid program. Many Pittsburgh-area seniors are surprised to learn they qualify, especially if they receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or have limited monthly income. A benefits counselor or your local Area Agency on Aging can help confirm eligibility at no cost.

If your loved one is already enrolled in Medicaid but unsure whether they are receiving CHC services, call the PA Department of Human Services helpline at 1-800-692-7462.

How to Get Started with CHC in Allegheny County

The process can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Here is a straightforward path for Pittsburgh families:

1. Confirm Medicaid enrollment. If your parent is not yet enrolled, apply through PA COMPASS (compass.state.pa.us) or contact Allegheny County's Department of Human Services.
2. Contact your MCO. Once enrolled in CHC, an MCO assigns a care manager who conducts a needs assessment in your loved one's home.
3. Receive a service plan. Based on the assessment, the care manager develops an individualized service plan that outlines approved hours and services.
4. Choose a home care provider. Families have the right to choose their own CHC-approved home care agency. Mary Angels Home Care serves 20+ neighborhoods across Pittsburgh and Allegheny County and is available to discuss your options.
5. Services begin. Once the service plan is finalized and a provider is selected, care can typically begin within days.

Call us at 412-900-9354 or email info@maryangelshomecare.com if you want someone to walk through these steps with you — no pressure, just honest guidance.

Services Mary Angels Provides Under CHC

Mary Angels Home Care offers a range of non-medical services that are commonly covered under Community HealthChoices for eligible participants in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.

• Personal care — help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility
• Companion care — friendly supervision, conversation, and social engagement
• Homemaker services — light housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation
• Respite care — temporary relief for family caregivers
• Alzheimer's and dementia care — specialized support for cognitive changes
• 24/7 and live-in care — around-the-clock presence for higher needs

We serve families in neighborhoods across Allegheny County — from the North Hills and Squirrel Hill to Mt. Lebanon, Monroeville, and everywhere in between.

Other Ways to Pay — and How CHC Compares

CHC is one of the most powerful funding sources available to Pittsburgh seniors, but it is not the only one. Understanding how it compares to other options helps families plan ahead.

If your family is exploring multiple funding options, our page on how to pay for home care lays out the full picture in plain language. Veterans in Pittsburgh may also benefit from VA Aid & Attendance.

CHC is especially valuable because it has no enrollment fee, no premium for most participants, and no waiting list in Allegheny County (unlike some other waiver programs in Pennsylvania).