Community Health Choices (CHC)

A guide to Pennsylvania's program that covers home care services at no cost for eligible residents

What is Community Health Choices?

Community Health Choices (CHC) is Pennsylvania's Medicaid managed care program for adults with physical disabilities and older adults who need long-term services and supports. Through CHC, eligible individuals can receive home and community-based services — including personal care, help with daily activities, and other supports — at no out-of-pocket cost.

The program is designed to help people live independently in their homes and communities rather than in nursing facilities. Services are coordinated through one of three Managed Care Organizations (MCOs): UPMC Community HealthChoices, Keystone First Community HealthChoices, or PA Health & Wellness.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for home care services through CHC, you generally need to meet these criteria:

Pennsylvania resident
Enrolled in Medical Assistance (Medicaid) — or eligible to enroll
Meet functional eligibility — meaning you need help with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, or medication management
Meet financial eligibility — income and asset limits apply

Important: Eligibility is determined by the PA Independent Enrollment Broker (PA IEB) and your County Assistance Office — not by home care providers.

The Application Process

Applying for the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver is a multi-step process handled by the PA Independent Enrollment Broker. Here's what to expect:

Step 1: Submit a Community Referral Form

You (or someone on your behalf) submit a referral to start the process.

Apply online | Call 1-877-550-4227 | Or apply by mail

Step 2: Physician Certification Form

After your referral, PA IEB sends a form to your doctor. Your doctor must complete and return it — delays here can slow down your application.

Step 3: First Intake Assessment

A representative from PA IEB meets with you at your home to discuss your needs, abilities, and situation. You may need to complete a Medical Assistance application (PA 600) if you're not already enrolled.

Step 4: Second Intake Assessment

The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) conducts a Functional Eligibility Determination to assess the level of care you need. This also takes place in your home.

Step 5: PA IEB Reviews Your Application

PA IEB reviews both the Physician Certification Form and Functional Eligibility Determination to determine if you qualify for waiver services.

Step 6: County Assistance Office Makes Final Decision

The CAO reviews your application for financial eligibility and makes the final determination. You'll receive a decision within 90 days of when PA IEB started your application.

If approved: You're enrolled in Home and Community Based Waiver Services and can choose your Managed Care Organization and home care provider.

After You're Approved

Once enrolled in CHC, you'll choose a Managed Care Organization (MCO) and a home care provider. Your MCO coordinates your benefits and services — but you choose who provides your care.

Silver Home Care is an approved CHC provider. If you're already enrolled and looking for a provider — or want to switch — we'd be glad to talk with you about how we can help.

Not on Medicaid Yet?

To receive services through CHC, you must be enrolled in Medical Assistance (Medicaid). If you're not currently enrolled, you'll need to apply first.

Apply online at COMPASS.state.pa.us or contact your local County Assistance Office

Helpful Resources

Have questions about the process or want to talk it through?

Call us at (215) 757-1648 — we're happy to help.