Pennsylvania Long-Term Care
Everything Your Family Needs in One Place.
Navigating long-term care in Pennsylvania is complicated — Medicaid rules, care costs, and senior services all have their own language, and it's hard to know who to turn to or who you can trust. We've organized everything Pennsylvania families need into one free guide — including connections to vetted providers who can help ease the burden.
Built around your situation and Pennsylvania's specific programs and rules.
What Pennsylvania families need to know before making care decisions.
Long-term care in Pennsylvania is more complex than most families expect. With Medicaid waiver programs, home care options, assisted living communities, and skilled nursing facilities across all 67 counties — costs, rules, and availability vary significantly between the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro areas and rural central Pennsylvania.
Every family's situation is different. Some are facing a decision right now. Others are planning ahead. Many are already caring for a loved one at home and wondering what help is available. Whatever your situation, knowing what Pennsylvania offers and what fits your family makes every decision clearer.
We've organized every Pennsylvania-specific resource, tool, and guide in one place so Pennsylvania families can stop searching and start planning. Everything here is free.
$11,954/mo
Nursing Home — Semi-Private
$2,982/mo
Medicaid Income Limit
126
Senior Service Resources
What long-term care actually costs in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania's long-term care costs are above national averages for nursing home care. Nursing home care averages $11,954/month — roughly 25% above the U.S. average — while assisted living averages $6,480/month, close to the national average. Costs vary significantly between the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro areas and rural counties.
Understanding the full range of care types — from adult day care (the most affordable option) to private-room nursing homes — helps families plan realistically. Most families use multiple types of care as needs change over time.
Use the calculator below to explore Pennsylvania care costs in detail and project how they'll grow over time with a 3% annual inflation rate.
$13,688/mo
$11,954/mo
$6,480/mo
$8,100/mo
Estimated (AL × 1.25)
$6,483/mo
$34/hr (nat'l avg: $35/hr)
$2,535/mo
Source: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey (updated March 2026)
Calculate Your Pennsylvania Costs
State-specific data · Inflation projection · Total estimate
Use the sliders below to adjust years, inflation, and projection period
Not sure how long you'll need care? Get full insights into when you may need care, what kind, and for how long — personalized to your health and finances.
Start Your Full Care Planning Assessment →Your Cost Estimate
Today's Monthly Cost
$13,688/mo
NH Private Room · Pennsylvania
Monthly Cost Today
$13,688/mo
3% inflation · 3 years of care
Don't rush to sell the home
Bridge loans, HELOCs, and reverse mortgages can fund care without selling.
Care costs rise 3–5% annually
Factor long-term inflation into all planning models.
Medicaid lookback is 5 years
Planning must begin well before care is needed to protect assets.
Source: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey (updated March 2026)
* AK NH Private Room: A Place For Mom. ADC — DE: Genworth; DC: PayingForSeniorCare; ID: MedicaidLongTermCare.org; SD: Genworth; VT: VT Adult Services Div.; WV: CareCostIndex.com.
Understanding costs is the first step. Next, let's explore how Pennsylvania Medicaid can help cover them — and what financial planning options are available.
Understanding Pennsylvania Medicaid long-term care coverage — and whether your family qualifies.
Pennsylvania Medicaid — called Medical Assistance (MA) — is administered by the Department of Human Services. The income limit for nursing home Medicaid is $2,982/month for a single applicant, with an asset limit of $2,000.
Pennsylvania has a 5-year look-back period and offers HCBS waivers covering care at home, in adult day care, and in assisted living. The state also uses Qualified Income Trusts for applicants exceeding the income limit.
Use the Medicaid tool below to check eligibility, understand Pennsylvania's specific rules, and explore planning strategies.
Income Limit — Single
$2,982 / month*
Income Limit — Married (one applying)
$2,982 / month for applicant*
Asset Limit — Single
$2,000‡
Asset Limit — Married (one applying)
$2,000 for applicant & $162,660 for non-applicant‡
Look-Back Period
60 months (5 years)
Estate Recovery
Yes — Pennsylvania seeks reimbursement after death
Medicaid programs available in Pennsylvania
Community HealthChoices (CHC) Program
A Medicaid managed care program for state residents who are aged or physically disabled. The previously available PDA Waiver transitioned into this program. Benefits may include adult day care, personal care assistance, home modifications, and home health services. A program option, Services My Way (SMW), allows self-directed care, including hiring family members such as adult children.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Combines the benefits of Medicaid, including long-term care, and Medicare into a single program. Additional benefits, such as dental and eye care, may be available.
Money Follows the Person
This federal program helps institutionalized persons who are eligible for Medicaid to transition back home or into the community.
Long-term care Medicaid guide
Eligibility · Caregiver pay · How to apply · 2026 data
Important: Rates vary — contact your state Medicaid office for current figures. This tool provides general guidance, not legal or financial advice.
Compare Medicaid Programs — Pennsylvania
How the main LTC programs available in Pennsylvania compare side by side.
| Program | Pay | Pay type | Tax-free? | Spouse OK? | Waitlist? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer-directed HCBS | $15–18/hr | Hourly wage | No | Usually no | Often |
| Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) | Not in Pennsylvania | Daily stipend | Yes | Usually no | Often |
| Personal Care Agreement | Market rate (from assets) | Private pay | No | Yes | No |
| VA Aid & Attendance | Up to $2,874/mo | Monthly pension | Yes | Yes | No |
Pennsylvania Medicaid programs
COMMCARE Waiver
Independence Waiver
CarePlus SFC (UPMC only — not statewide)
Sources: KFF (Jan 2026), medicaidplanningassistance.org (Feb 2026). Programs and rates change — verify with your state Medicaid office.
How Family Caregivers Get Paid Through Medicaid in Pennsylvania
If you're a family member providing care, you may be able to get paid through Medicaid — often at rates comparable to a home care agency.
Consumer-directed care — hourly pay
Available in PennsylvaniaHow it works: The person receiving care becomes the "employer" — they hire you and a fiscal intermediary handles payroll, taxes, and paperwork on their behalf. You receive a paycheck just like a regular job.
How to apply: DHS · dhs.pa.gov
Personal Care Agreement — private pay from assets
Available to any familySources: KFF Medicaid Home Care Survey 2025 (Jan 2026), Careforth FAQ (Jan 2026), IRS Notice 2014-7.
How to Apply for Medicaid Long-Term Care in Pennsylvania
What to expect when applying for LTC Medicaid and getting family caregiver pay set up in Pennsylvania. The process typically takes 45–90 days from application to first paycheck.
Apply in Pennsylvania: DHS · dhs.pa.gov
Medicaid Eligibility Screener — Pennsylvania
Answer 7 quick questions — we'll check the financial and care requirements for Pennsylvania and explain what each one means.
What is the marital status of the person who needs care?
Medicaid looks at only the applicant's income and assets — but being married triggers special protections that let the healthy spouse keep significantly more money.
Sources
- CMS Medicaid — eligibility, HCBS waivers, and long-term services medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility
- CMS Medicaid — Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) medicaid.gov/medicaid/home-community-based-services
- Social Security Administration — SSI Federal Benefit Rate (2026 figures) ssa.gov/oact/cola/SSI.html
- CMS — Spousal Impoverishment standards (CSRA & MMMNA) medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/spousal-impoverishment
- CMS — Estate Recovery and the 5-year lookback period medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/estate-recovery
- IRS Notice 2014-7 — Tax treatment of Medicaid caregiver payments irs.gov/individuals/certain-medicaid-waiver-payments-may-be-excludable-from-income
Educational guidance only — not legal or financial advice. Your state Medicaid office determines actual eligibility.
Medicaid figures: 2026 federal/state guidelines
Beyond Medicaid, Pennsylvania has a network of senior services and programs that can help your family. Let's explore what's available in your county.
Community services and aging programs available to Pennsylvania seniors — most families never find all of them.
Pennsylvania's 53 Area Agencies on Aging serve all 67 counties, coordinating free and low-cost community programs — home-delivered meals, transportation assistance, caregiver respite, legal aid, benefits counseling, and home safety modifications. Pennsylvania's aging network is one of the largest in the country.
Beyond AAAs, Pennsylvania funds programs through the Older Americans Act and state revenue covering adult protective services, ombudsman advocacy, senior center programming, and employment assistance for older adults.
Use the service finder to discover which programs serve your Pennsylvania county — or browse the full directory for statewide and local listings.
Home-Delivered Meals & Nutrition
Programs like Meals on Wheels and congregate dining at senior centers — available to Pennsylvania seniors through local Area Agencies on Aging.
Transportation & Mobility
Non-emergency medical transport, volunteer driver programs, and reduced-fare transit for Pennsylvania seniors who no longer drive.
Caregiver Support & Respite
Respite care, support groups, training, and the National Family Caregiver Support Program — helping Pennsylvania caregivers avoid burnout.
Benefits Counseling & Legal Aid
Free SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) Medicare counseling, Medicaid application help, and legal assistance for elder law issues like guardianship and advance directives in Pennsylvania.
Select your county
This helps us find your local Area Agency on Aging
Links verified June 2026 · Always call to confirm current availability
In addition to government programs, Pennsylvania has a strong network of nonprofit organizations that can help — many offering free services most families never discover.
Nonprofit and community organizations helping Pennsylvania families — free help most families never find.
Pennsylvania has an extensive network of nonprofit organizations serving seniors and their families — from legal aid societies and caregiver support groups to Alzheimer's Association chapters and community action agencies.
Many Pennsylvania nonprofits offer free services including benefits counseling, caregiver training, support groups, and emergency assistance. Your zip code determines which organizations serve your area.
Use the nonprofit finder below to search for organizations that match your family's specific needs.
Disease-Specific Support
Nonprofit organizations focused on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, cancer, and other conditions that require long-term care. Pennsylvania chapters offer helplines, support groups, respite programs, and education to help families navigate diagnosis and care planning.
Legal Aid for Seniors
Free legal assistance with Medicaid applications, advance directives, power of attorney, guardianship, and elder abuse cases through Pennsylvania's legal aid societies.
Caregiver & Family Support
Nonprofit organizations providing caregiver training, respite coordination, support groups, and counseling for Pennsylvania families — because caregivers need care too.
Community Action & Emergency Aid
Community action agencies and charitable organizations offering emergency financial assistance, utility help, food pantries, and crisis intervention for Pennsylvania seniors.
Who needs help?
This helps us personalize your results
Don't hesitate to contact multiple organizations — many have overlapping services and can refer you to others. Every conversation gets you closer to the help your family needs.
Additional resources every Pennsylvania family should know about.
Medicare, Veterans benefits, caregiver compensation programs, and financial planning tools are available to every Pennsylvania family — and understanding them early can save thousands in long-term care costs.
Finding the right people to help your Pennsylvania family.
When it matters most, nothing replaces someone who truly understands your family. Care Connections will match your Pennsylvania family with vetted local professionals based on your zip code and your specific situation. No cold calls. No pressure. Just the right introduction at the right time.
Tell us what your family needs and we'll notify you the moment Care Connections is available in your Pennsylvania county.
Helps us match you with professionals in your county
We'll notify you when Care Connections is available
No spam. Just a heads up when it's ready for your area.
You've seen what Pennsylvania has to offer. Now see how it all fits your family's specific situation.
Every section above gives you one piece of your Pennsylvania picture — what care costs near you, whether Medicaid might help, what senior services and nonprofits are available, and what other programs your family might qualify for.
But each piece only tells part of the story.
The free personalized care snapshot puts all the pieces together — your health situation, your financial picture, your timeline, and the Pennsylvania-specific options available to your family. It takes about 8 questions and 1 minute.
Most families who complete the snapshot tell us it's the first time they've felt like they actually understood their situation. That's what it's designed to do.
Who needs help?
Tell us who you're planning care for.
The next questions will be about whoever you choose above — answer for them, not yourself (unless this is for you).
Everything your Pennsylvania family needs — in one place.
Free tools, Pennsylvania-specific resources, a personalized care snapshot, and connections to the right people. All organized for Pennsylvania families. All completely free.
Built around your situation and Pennsylvania's specific programs and rules.
Long-term care resources for neighboring states
Last updated: March 2026