Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices (CHC) can arrange long-term services and supports for eligible people. A Medicaid or CHC card alone does not approve help at home, a set number of care hours or a particular caregiver.
Updated October 22, 2026
This guide explains selected Pennsylvania CHC application and planning steps checked October 22, 2026. CHC serves adults age 21 and older through specific eligibility routes, including full Medicare-and-Medicaid eligibility and qualifying long-term-care needs. Extra rules and exclusions apply. Not every Medicaid participant, person with Medicare or adult with a disability qualifies. The state must confirm your eligibility and exact program; Helen has not reviewed your records or made that decision.
Use the official state application page below to reach the Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB). The IEB helps with the application process and arranges an in-person assessment. It can take place where you are, such as at home, in a hospital or in a nursing facility. Ask what information is needed, who will contact you, and how to check progress. An assessment is one step; it does not by itself approve services.
The clinical review looks at whether you meet the required level of care for long-term services and supports. The county assistance office (CAO) reviews financial eligibility for Medical Assistance. A favorable result in one review does not settle the other. Ask: “Has each review finished? Is anything missing? Which office needs it? How will I receive the decision?” This guide does not calculate income or resource limits or tell you how to qualify financially.
Contact your CHC plan and ask for your service coordinator. Explain that you want a needs assessment or that your current supports no longer meet your needs. The state describes a comprehensive assessment when an enrolled person requests one or when needs or service gaps are identified. Ask who will arrange it and how to follow up. If care stops or a notice says your eligibility changed, keep the notice and ask the plan and CAO which decision or record needs review.
LTSS participants have a person-centered service plan (PCSP). You take part with your service coordinator, providers and the people who support you. Ask for a copy that explains the services, how often they are planned and who will provide them. Then ask which services are authorized, their start dates and whom to contact if an approved service does not arrive. A service listed in a waiver or handbook is not, by itself, approval for you. Helen cannot approve care hours, a provider or a caregiver.
A move, nursing-facility stay or return home can require an eligibility update. Ask your service coordinator and CAO who must send the update and whether it changes your coverage or service plan. State memo 2026-04 assigns PA 1768 reporting duties to the IEB or CHC plan in different situations; it does not mean you should complete a provider’s form yourself. Do not assume that a temporary stay, respite care and a move to another setting all have the same effect.
Already enrolled and unsure where to start? Pennsylvania’s CHC participant call center is 1-800-757-5042; PA Relay 711 is listed by the state. For an initial application, use the state application page and its current IEB route. Ask for an interpreter or an accessible explanation if needed. Keep your application, assessment information, service plan and notices. Ask what deadline applies to any decision you disagree with; do not ignore the notice while waiting for an explanation. These questions do not submit an application, file an appeal or guarantee payment.
Name the stage
Say whether this is a first LTSS application, a needs change or a problem with an already approved service.
Check both reviews
Ask the IEB, CHC plan and CAO which clinical and financial decisions are complete and what remains missing.
Confirm the written plan
Ask what has been approved, when it starts, who provides it and what to do if you disagree with a notice.
No. CHC enrollment, LTSS eligibility, the needs assessment and authorization for an individual service are separate questions. Ask the state and your CHC plan what has actually been decided.
Ask your CHC plan and service coordinator for a needs assessment or reassessment when your needs change or you have unmet needs. Ask who will handle the request and how to check its progress.
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