Paying for Home Care in Pennsylvania

Understanding your payment options is an important part of planning for care. Explore the options below to find what works for your family.

Understanding Payment Options

Figuring out how to pay for care can feel overwhelming. You might qualify for programs you didn't know existed—or have more options than you think. Here's what's available in Pennsylvania.

Choose Your Payment Option

Click any option below to learn more about eligibility, coverage, and how to get started.

Most Flexible Option

Private Pay

Complete control over your care schedule and services

Private pay is the most flexible way to receive home care from Silver Home Care. When you pay privately, you have complete control over the type, frequency, and timing of care without needing to meet eligibility requirements or navigate insurance approval processes.

Our Rates

$30-35 per hour

Rate varies based on level of care needed and your specific situation

What's Included:

  • Flexible scheduling—from a few hours per week to 24/7 care
  • Customized care plans tailored to your exact needs
  • No eligibility requirements or waiting periods
  • Care starts when you're ready

Financial Assistance Available

We understand that budgeting for care can be challenging. If paying for care is difficult, please talk to us. We offer flexible payment arrangements and can help you create a care schedule that fits your budget.

We'll never turn away a family in need—we're here to find a solution that works for you.

Getting Started

Contact us at (215) 750-6644 for a free consultation. We'll discuss your care needs, schedule preferences, and provide clear, transparent pricing.

Call (215) 750-6644

Community Health Choices (CHC) is Pennsylvania's Medicaid managed care program that provides long-term services and supports to help eligible individuals live safely at home. CHC covers home care services including personal care, companionship, and assistance with daily activities.

Who Qualifies?

  • Adults age 21 and older who need long-term care services
  • Enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible), OR
  • Qualify for Medicaid based on income and assets

What's Covered:

CHC assigns you to a managed care organization (MCO) that coordinates your care. Once enrolled, a service coordinator will assess your needs and develop a care plan. The program covers:

  • Personal care services
  • Homemaker services
  • Respite care for family caregivers
  • Other supports to help you remain independent at home

Most services are covered at no cost to you, though some co-pays may apply depending on your Medicaid category.

Getting Started

Already enrolled in CHC? Contact your service coordinator and let them know you're interested in home care services through Silver Home Care.

Not yet enrolled? Contact your local County Assistance Office to apply for Medicaid and CHC, or call us at (215) 750-6644 and we can help guide you through the process.

Medicare typically does not cover non-medical home care services like companionship, meal preparation, or light housekeeping. Medicare only covers skilled nursing or therapy services when ordered by a doctor and provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency.

Important Limitation

Medicare covers short-term skilled care (nursing, physical therapy) but does not pay for ongoing personal care, companionship, or daily living assistance that most families need.

Private Insurance: Some supplemental insurance plans or long-term care insurance policies may help cover non-medical home care. Check your specific policy for coverage details.

We recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify what home care services are covered under your plan and what documentation may be required for reimbursement.

Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for VA benefits that provide financial assistance for home care through the Aid and Attendance (A&A) or Housebound programs. These benefits can help cover the cost of in-home care services.

Basic Eligibility:

  • Veteran with wartime service OR surviving spouse of eligible veteran
  • Need help with activities of daily living or are housebound
  • Meet income and asset requirements

Getting Started: Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit your local VA office to apply. The application process can take several months, so we recommend starting early. We can provide documentation of care to support your application.

If you have a long-term care (LTC) insurance policy, it may cover non-medical home care services. Coverage varies significantly by policy, so it's important to review your specific plan details.

Check Your Policy For:

  • Daily benefit amount and lifetime maximum
  • Elimination period (waiting period before benefits begin)
  • What types of home care services are covered
  • Whether prior hospitalization or nursing home stay is required

Filing a Claim: Contact your insurance company to initiate a claim. We can provide documentation of services, caregiver qualifications, and invoices to support your claim process.

The OPTIONS program is a Pennsylvania state-funded program administered through your local Area Agency on Aging. It provides services to help older adults remain independent at home as an alternative to nursing facility placement.

Eligibility: Age 60+, at risk of nursing home placement, and meet income guidelines. Services are based on need and available funding in your county.

Getting Started: Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to request an assessment. Find your local office at www.aging.pa.gov or call PA Department of Aging at 1-800-753-8827.

Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) can connect you with a variety of programs and services available in Pennsylvania, including OPTIONS, PACE, and other supports for aging in place.

Find Your Local AAA: Visit www.aging.pa.gov or call 1-800-753-8827 to be connected with your local office.

An elder law attorney can help you navigate Medicaid eligibility, asset protection strategies, and long-term care planning. They can assist with:

  • Medicaid eligibility and application process
  • Asset protection and spend-down strategies
  • Estate planning and advance directives
  • Special needs trusts and other planning tools

Consulting with an elder law attorney early in the planning process can help you maximize available benefits and protect assets for your family.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help you find the payment option that works best for your family. Let's talk through your situation together.