The start of a new year can bring a mix of hope and hardship, especially for families trying to make ends meet during the colder months. If you’re living in Pennsylvania and need home care support, financial relief, or help navigating caregiving, the Community HealthChoices (CHC) program could be the breakthrough you’re looking for.
At Pristine Home Care, we specialize in helping individuals and families throughout Philadelphia, Allentown, and Southeastern PA get connected with CHC waivers, paid caregiver benefits, and winter resources that truly make a difference.
Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know About CHS
- CHC in Pennsylvania offers home care and long-term support for Medicaid-eligible adults 21+
- You may be paid to care for a loved one if you’re not their spouse, POA, or legal guardian
- CHC waivers cover more than care, including caregiver respite, personal assistance, and help with housing or utilities
- Power of Attorney holders are not eligible to be paid caregivers
- Pristine Home Care helps you apply for CHC, Medicaid, rent/utility aid, and connects you with bilingual caregivers
What is Community HealthChoices (CHC) in PA?
Community HealthChoices (CHC) is a long-term care program managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. It’s designed to help older adults and individuals with physical disabilities receive care in their homes and communities.
Rather than moving into a facility, eligible Pennsylvanians can remain at home with personal assistance services, caregiving support, and coordinated care, all while preserving their independence.
Who is Eligible for CHC in Pennsylvania?
You may be eligible if you:
- Are 21 or older
- Have Medicaid (Medical Assistance), or both Medicaid and Medicare
- Have a physical disability or long-term care needs
- Need assistance with daily tasks like bathing, mobility, or medication
Still unsure? Pristine can walk you through a free eligibility screening.
How Do You Enroll in CHC?
Enrolling in CHC involves a few key steps:
- Call PA Enrollment Services at 1-800-440-3989
- Choose a managed care organization (MCO), such as:
- Complete an in-home evaluation with the Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB)
Need help? Call Pristine at (215) 621-7431. We’ll guide you from start to finish.
Want to Become a Paid Caregiver or Get Care at Home?
At Pristine, we make it simple for families across Philadelphia, Allentown, and Southeastern PA to get the care they need, or provide it to someone they love.
Whether you’re looking for a caring, culturally fluent home aide, or you want to become a paid caregiver for your loved one, we guide you every step of the way. From helping with paperwork and eligibility to providing training and emotional support, Pristine ensures the process is smooth, respectful, and rooted in dignity.
We’re not just a home care agency. We’re a resource hub, a support system, and a partner that stays with you through every season of care.
Winter Blues & Financial Strain: How CHC Waivers Offer Relief
CHC isn’t just about care, it connects families to vital winter assistance programs such as:
- LIHEAP — Energy and heating bill relief for low-income households
- Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) — Meal delivery and housing help
- Catholic Social Services — Support for families and older adults
- Lehigh County Aging Services — Housing assistance and benefits for Allentown-area residents
CHC makes it easier to age in place, stay warm, and get support where it matters most: home.
Pristine + CHC: Winter Care That’s Personal
Here at Pristine, we believe real care is rooted in culture, compassion, and community. That’s why we go beyond in-home care to provide:
- Multilingual caregiver options (Arabic, Spanish, Russian, Tagalog & more)
- Help for eligible family members to become paid caregivers
- Access to food, rent, and utility resources in Philly, Allentown, and nearby counties
Whether you’re just getting started or need urgent care coordination, we’re ready to help.
FAQs: What People Also Ask About CHC in PA
Q: Who qualifies for CHC in Pennsylvania?
A: Adults 21+ with Medicaid and long-term care needs are typically eligible.
Q: Does CHC cover utility or housing assistance?
A: While CHC doesn’t pay bills directly, it connects you to trusted partners like LIHEAP, PCA, and others.
Q: How long does it take to get approved for CHC services?
A: It can take several weeks to complete the CHC assessment and enrollment process. Pristine helps speed this up by guiding families through each step.
Want to Become a Paid Caregiver or Get Care at Home?
At Pristine, we make it simple for families across Philadelphia, Allentown, and Southeastern PA to get the care they need, or provide it to someone they love.
Whether you’re looking for a caring, culturally fluent home aide, or you want to become a paid caregiver for your loved one, we guide you every step of the way. From helping with paperwork and eligibility to providing training and emotional support, Pristine ensures the process is smooth, respectful, and rooted in dignity.
We’re not just a home care agency, we’re a resource hub, a support system, and a partner that stays with you through every season of care.
