Medicaid Waiver Programs
For Pennsylvanians who qualify for Medicaid and need help with daily activities. It can cover care at home.
Paying for Care
How to Pay for Home Care
Most families pay for Heart of Gold services in one of three ways: a Pennsylvania Medicaid Waiver program, the VA, or private pay. We also work with certain insurance companies on older accident and injury cases. We’ll help you figure out which one fits your situation and walk you through the next steps.
Ways to Pay
VA Benefits
For veterans enrolled in VA health care whose VA care team approves in-home help.
Private Pay
For families who pay directly. There are no eligibility requirements, and care can start quickly.
Option 1
Medicaid Waiver Programs
Pennsylvania’s Medicaid Waiver program, called Community HealthChoices (CHC), pays for personal care and other help at home so people can stay out of a nursing home. Heart of Gold is a provider for these services.
Who May Qualify
- Pennsylvania residents age 21 or older
- People who need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and getting around
- People who meet Medicaid’s income and asset limits
How to Get Started
If you’re already enrolled in CHC, tell your service coordinator that you want Heart of Gold as your home care agency. If you’re not enrolled yet, the application starts with a call to the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker at 1-877-550-4227. We’re glad to help you through the process.
A family member or friend may also be able to get paid to provide the care through our agency. Learn about Family/Friend Caregivers.
Option 2
VA Benefits for Veterans
Veterans enrolled in VA health care may qualify for in-home care through the VA’s Homemaker and Home Health Aide program when their VA care team decides it’s needed. A caregiver helps with bathing, dressing, meals and other daily activities at home.
How to Get Started
Ask your VA primary care team or VA social worker about in-home care, and let them know you’d like Heart of Gold as your provider. Call us and we’ll help you with the next steps.
Some veterans and surviving spouses also receive a VA pension with Aid and Attendance. That monthly benefit can help cover private-pay care.
Option 3
Private Pay
Private pay means you pay Heart of Gold directly for care. It’s the most flexible option: there’s no application or waiting period, and you choose the schedule, from a few hours a week to around-the-clock care.
We’ll go over costs with you during a free, no-obligation in-home assessment, so you know what to expect before care begins.
Other Coverage
Insurance for Older Accident or Injury Cases
Some people who were injured in an accident years ago, before Pennsylvania’s insurance laws changed, still have an insurance policy or claim that pays for long-term care at home. These cases are uncommon, but if you have one, we can work directly with your insurance company.
Call us with your insurance information and we’ll let you know how we can help.
Not Sure Which Option Fits?
Call us. We’ll ask a few questions and help you find the best way to pay for care.