In-home services can be of great help to seniors who find it difficult to live independently in their own homes as they age, and Medicaid waiver services can help. 

While government systems fill important needs, they can be challenging to navigate for seniors who aren’t familiar with them. You might find yourself asking, “Where do I even begin?”

The good news is, the state of Pennsylvania offers Medicaid waiver services so those who need help can get it. The better news is we are committed to helping you through the process. 

We’ll review the criteria for home and community-based waivers, provide a list of the services that are available, and explain the Medicaid PA application process. 

Before you get started, gather all of your medical files to streamline the process. Many people find the process is easier when they enlist the help of close friends or caring family members. 

Let’s get started!

Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Individuals Ages 60 and Older

As long as you are 60 years old or older and meet certain other criteria, you can apply for a wide variety of services by completing a Pennsylvania Waiver application. The right combination of services is designed to allow you to continue living in your home and in the community you love with the help of appropriate support and services. 

How do you qualify for the attendant care waiver? Just check off the items on this list:

• You must be a Pennsylvania resident
• You must be a United States citizen or a qualified non-citizen
• You must be able to provide your Social Security Number
• You must be at least the age of 60
• The level of care you need must meet the same level of care for a skilled nursing facility
• You must meet the financial requirements established by your local county assistance office (CAO)

Before you get started, we recommend reviewing the following list of services that may be available. Choose from one or more services to help you live safely and happily in your current home. 

Here is what the state of Pennsylvania offers:

• Services for adult daily living
• Adaptations for accessibility (technology, equipment, medical supplies, etc.)
• Meal delivery
• Home health services
• Transition services within your community
• Non-medical transportation
• Community supports, goods, and services as directed by you
• Personal assistance services
• Respite for in-home caregivers
• TeleCare for medical appointments
• Nursing services
• Service coordination
• Assistive technology
• Adaptations for safe home living
• Personal emergency response system (PERS)
• Physical therapy
• Speech and language therapy services
• Nutritional consultation services
• Therapeutic and counseling services
• Specialized medical equipment and supplies 

The news gets even better. The state of Pennsylvania doesn’t have a cap on the Medicaid Waiver services that you receive. You won’t have to contribute to the plan or share in the costs, making Waiver services affordable for all seniors who qualify for the program. 

Pennsylvania Waiver Application

Are you already on the Pennsylvania Medicaid program? We’ll review your qualifications and advise whether you’re eligible to receive services through the Community-Based Waiver Services program. 

If you need services and haven’t yet applied for Medicaid, we can assist you with that too.

Either way, it’s simply a matter of contacting us at Good Hands Home Health Care Agency at (610) 285-1095 and speaking with one of our experts who can assist you with filling out your Medicaid PA application and submitting it to the PA Independent Enrollment Broker.  

Steps to Apply for Waiver Services PA

To make things even easier for you, we’ve broken down the Medicaid application process into 5 easy steps:

1. Call (877) 550-4227 and speak with the PA Independent Enrollment Broker (PA EIB). Tell them you wish to apply and schedule your first home visit.
2. Discuss your needs at your first home visit and complete all forms. 
3. Schedule your second home visit with the Area Agency on Aging and complete the Functional Eligibility Determination. 
4. Ensure PA IEB receives your Physician’s Certification Form and Functional Eligibility Determination within 86 days of your first in-home visit.
5. The CAO will make a determination on your eligibility within 90 days of submitting your Waiver application.