PA Medicaid Waiver

Helping you Maintain Independence

Medicaid covers medical issues; however, the various Medicaid waiver programs provide funding directly to Pennsylvania and specifically waive the requirement that funding be used for medical purposes.


The objective of this funding is to allow Pennsylvania residents to remain in their own homes and to maintain the maximum amount of independence possible. These programs keep people out of costly institutional facilities and result in substantial Medicaid savings.

How to apply for a Medicaid Waiver through the Pennsylvania Office of Long Term Living:

  • 1. Request to Apply

    Call the PA Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB) at 877-550-4227. Inform them that you are making a "request to apply for services". IEB will schedule an intake visit at your home within 7 days.

  • 2. Application Assistance

    The IEB will come to you and assist you in completing an application (form PA 600L or WP). IEB will then contact your physician to certify your application. You will also select a SERVICE COORDINATOR (SC) at this time.

  • 3. Approval or Denial

    Within 90 days IEB will coorinatie with your physicians, county assistance office (CAO), and Pennsylvania OLTL to approve or deny your application. IEB will provide all notifications to you in writing.

  • 4. Select Your ISP

    If you are approved, the SC that you selected will contact you to discuss your eligibility and assist you. Next, you will select your INDEPENDENT SERVICE PROVIDER (ISP). Comforting Home Care is an approved ISP.

  • 5. Choose CHCP

    Call 610-625-5600 to begin scheduling your service. Your SC will cooperate with Comforting Home Care, but you will always maintain direct and independent control of gteh services you receive.

Common Questions

  • Do I qualify for FREE Home Care Services?

    As of January 2023, If you make less than $2,742 monthly income (excluding spouse’s income if married) and have less than $8,000 in assets excluding your home, vehicle and personal belongings; you may qualify for FREE Home Care Services.

  • Which government agency administers these programs?

    These programs are part of Pennsylvania's Home and Community Based Services that are administered by the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), which is part of Pennsylvania's Department of Public Welfare (PA DPW). These programs are under PA DPW because they are means tested. Your income and assets will be evaluated to determine if you qualify. You can reach the OLTL at 1-866-286-3636 to discuss your eligibility.

  • How do the programs work?

    You must begin the Medicaid Waiver process by calling the PA Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB) at 1-877-550-4227. When you contact the IEB to request services, the IEB will schedule an intake visit at your home within seven days. During the intake visit, the IEB representative will explain the program to you in greater detail, provide documentation about the process and your rights, and assist you in completing the paperwork. The IEB representative will also coordinate all other activities necessary to complete all the steps needed and communicate the status of your request to you in writing during the process.


    The evaluation process can take up to 90 days. 

    If you are accepted into one of the PA Medicaid Waiver programs, depending what Waiver you are approved for you may be asked to select a Service Coordinator (SC) or a Managed Care Organization (MCO). The SC or MCO will help you coordinate your personal care through a provider like Comforting Home Care by Phoebe. Additionally, if your circumstances change, your SC or MCO will be available to modify your care services. Your SC or MCO may also make recommendations to OLTL to reduce your hours of service if your need for care decreases.

  • Who's who in the process?

    Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB) -> Application and approval

    Service Coordinator (SC) -> Coordinates benefits

    Managed Care Organizations and Service Coordination -> UPMC, AmeriHealth Caritas, and PA Health and Wellness – These are the insurance companies that manage the Community Health Choice Waivers

    Provider (Comforting Home Care by Phoebe) -> Provides home care.

  • What Waiver programs does Comforting Home Care by Phoebe serve?

    Your other partner in PA Medicaid Waiver program is the care provider. Comforting Home Care by Phoebe provides services for Community Health Choice Waivers, such as Aging Waiver, Independence Waiver, and OBRA Waiver as well as the Attendant Care/ACT 150 Waiver.  We take great pride in ensuring that our Medicaid waiver clients receive the identical level of care and services as insurance or private pay clients. We go above and beyond by providing every client with a free in-home assessment with a Licensed Nurse, continued care supervised by a Licensed Nurse, 24-hour phone access, and all our web-based access tools. Comforting Home Care by Phoebe serves a number of waiver clients, and we strive to deliver outstanding care to everyone we serve.

  • Can I switch to Comforting Home Care by Phoebe?

    You have the right to choose or change your care provider without impacting your eligibility. If you are currently in a waiver program, you can call us directly at 610-365-4825. We can coordinate the details and change your care within a few days. Call us if you are not getting the care you deserve.

Learn more about the
Waiver Programs

These are all the Waiver programs that Comforting Home Care by Phoebe services. Click on the links below to go to the PA State website for each program. All these programs are essentially alternatives to assisted living facilities or other health care institutions.

Aging Waiver

Part of Community Health Choices Waiver. Home and Community-Based Waiver for Pennsylvania seniors over 60 years old that require the level of care for skilled nursing but are living at home. The program is means tested.

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This is program serves physically disabled adults between the ages of 18 and 59 that require home care to maintain their independence living at home. Participants must be capable of independently managing their own care, financial, and legal concerns. The program is means tested and may require a financial contribution from participants.

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Part of Community Health Choice Waivers. A waiver program for severely physically disabled adults between the ages of 18 and 60 that require nursing facility care but can live at home with proper care. This program is means tested.

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Part of Community Health Choice Waivers. This waiver program is open to adults between the ages of 18 and 59, with developmental physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and similar conditions. The program is means tested.

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