More Than 200 Pennsylvanians Urge Lawmakers for Enhanced Home Care Funding on Capitol Hill

Lemoyne, Pa. (April 10, 2024)—Today, the Pennsylvania Homecare Association (PHA) stood with nearly 230 dedicated providers, supporters, and beneficiaries of home-based care at the State Capitol to urgently request substantial investments and support to overcome the critical workforce shortages plaguing home-based care services.

An increasing number of Pennsylvanians, from medically complex children and adults with disabilities to our aging seniors, are facing challenges in accessing essential, life-sustaining care within their homes and communities. The need to fund community-based services has never been more critical, and Pennsylvanians came together on Capitol Hill to champion this call to action.

“Today, we stand united to Support Care Now, a rallying cry for the thousands of Pennsylvanians who rely on home-based care for their well-being and independence,” said Mia Haney, Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Homecare Association.

“We’re here to demand a significant investment in the infrastructure of care, one that recognizes the invaluable role of home-based care in our healthcare ecosystem and our Commonwealth. Home health care workers represent almost 300,000 jobs in Pennsylvania… jobs that must be recognized and valued as life-sustaining and meaningful careers within our communities.”

During the press conference, poignant stories were shared by home care leaders and recipients, illustrating the human impact of these challenges. Alexis Stull, a mother advocating for her daughter, shared a powerful narrative about the struggles securing necessary care hours, echoed by other speakers who stressed the dire need for increased funding and support.

Legislative support was strongly voiced by Sen. Maria Collett and Rep. Jim Struzzi, who each underscored the imperative to prioritize and elevate home care within Pennsylvania’s legislative agenda.

CJ Weaber, Board President of PA Homecare Association, echoed the many home health care champion voices: “Today, Alexis shared her family’s journey with us, reminding us that the fight is real and must persist. While her story concludes with hope, we must acknowledge that countless others—far too many—face different outcomes… Together, we can build a future where home-based care is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all.”

The united call is clear: It’s time for Pennsylvania to prioritize and substantially invest in home-based care, ensuring that all Pennsylvanians can age and heal in the comfort and dignity of their homes.

About PHA

The Pennsylvania Homecare Association is a statewide membership organization of more than 700 homecare, home health, and hospice providers. PHA members provide quality care and serve as advocates for their patients and clients on a variety of healthcare-related issues. PHA and its members work to improve professional standards and ensure access to quality home care throughout the Commonwealth. For more information about PHA and its initiatives, visit http://www.pahomecare.org. For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].