Can you get paid to care for a family member in Pennsylvania?

Yes, through 2 programs we verified. In Pennsylvania, people who get home care through the state's Office of Long-Term Living waiver services, or through the state-funded Act 150 program, can choose participant direction. This lets them employ their own personal attendant instead of using an agency. We could not confirm on an official page which family members can be hired, so ask before you apply.

Which Pennsylvania programs pay family caregivers?

Participant-directed services under Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) home and community-based waiver services (including Community HealthChoices)

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: A personal attendant the participant employs directly instead of using an agency. Which relatives can be paid was not confirmed on an official page.
• Who qualifies for care: Pennsylvanians who meet the income guidelines for OLTL Medicaid waiver services and the clinical standards for nursing facility eligibility.

Act 150 Attendant Care Program - participant direction

• Type: State-funded program
• Who can be paid: A personal attendant the participant employs directly. Which relatives can be paid was not confirmed on an official page.
• Who qualifies for care: People served by the state Act 150 program who choose participant direction.

Are there national programs too?

Yes. Veterans may qualify for VA programs that pay or support family caregivers: Veteran Directed Care and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

What should you confirm with the state?

We could not confirm on an official page whether spouses, parents or other relatives can be paid in Pennsylvania. Ask the Independent Enrollment Broker or your Community HealthChoices plan.