Understanding the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver: Personal Assistance Services in Pennsylvania

The Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver is a comprehensive program designed to provide long-term services and supports for Pennsylvanians with physical disabilities and older adults who need assistance with daily activities. This waiver is a key part of Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program, focusing on delivering high-quality care in community settings rather than institutional environments. Here’s an overview of how the CHC Waiver supports Personal Assistance Services (PAS).

What is the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver?

The CHC Waiver is Pennsylvania’s mandatory managed care program for individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid or those who need long-term services and supports (LTSS). It aims to enhance the quality of life by offering a full range of services tailored to individual needs, promoting independence, and improving care coordination.

Eligibility for CHC Waiver:

• Age: Must be 21 years old or older.
• Dual Eligibility: Must be receiving both Medicare and Medicaid, or
• Physical Disability: Must be receiving LTSS in the Attendant Care, Independence, or Aging waivers, or
• Nursing Facility: Must be receiving care in a Medicaid-funded nursing home.
• Act 150 Participants: Those who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

Individuals who are not eligible for the CHC Waiver include those receiving LTSS in the OBRA waiver without nursing facility clinical eligibility, certain Act 150 participants, individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities receiving services through the Office of Developmental Programs, and residents in state-operated nursing facilities.

Personal Assistance Services (PAS) Under the CHC Waiver:

Personal Assistance Services are a critical component of the CHC Waiver, designed to help individuals perform daily activities that they cannot complete independently. These services are essential for maintaining a higher quality of life and promoting independence in a community setting.

Services Covered:

• Personal Care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other personal hygiene needs.
• Meal Preparation: Help with cooking and meal planning to ensure proper nutrition.
• Medication Assistance: Support with medication management, including reminders and administration.
• Household Chores: Assistance with light housekeeping tasks such as cleaning and laundry.
• Mobility Assistance: Help with moving around the home and community, including transfers and transportation.

Benefits of Personal Assistance Services:

• Independence: Enables individuals to remain in their own homes and communities, fostering greater independence and autonomy.
• Quality of Life: Improves overall well-being by providing support for daily living activities, allowing individuals to focus on personal goals and community involvement.
• Care Coordination: Enhances the coordination of care by integrating PAS with other services covered under the CHC Waiver, ensuring comprehensive support tailored to individual needs.

How to Access Personal Assistance Services:

1. Apply for the CHC Waiver: Contact your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office or visit the Pennsylvania DHS website to apply for the CHC Waiver.
2. Assessment: An assessment will be conducted to determine your eligibility and specific needs.
3. Service Plan: Work with a care coordinator to develop a personalized service plan that includes Personal Assistance Services.
4. Provider Selection: Choose a qualified service provider that meets your needs and preferences.

Additional Resources:

• Apply for Services: https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/home/#/
• CHC Helplines: Providers: 1-800-938-0939 | Participants 1-800-757-5042
• CHC Managed Care Organizations: https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs/resources/medicaid/chc/chc-mcos.html
• Service Provider Directory: Link to PHA Find a Provider

The Community HealthChoices Waiver is designed to offer flexible, individualized care that helps people live independently in their communities. By providing essential Personal Assistance Services, the CHC Waiver supports Pennsylvanians in maintaining their quality of life and achieving greater independence. For more information or assistance with the application process, reach out to your local DHS office or visit the official Pennsylvania DHS website.