Everything you need to know about getting paid to care for a loved one in Pennsylvania
Yes, having both Medicare and Medicaid often makes you eligible to apply for FreedomCare services in Pennsylvania. Medicaid is what qualifies you for in-home care programs, while Medicare can remain your primary insurance for medical visits and hospital care. In Pennsylvania, eligibility also depends on an assessment through the state’s Personal Assistance Services program to confirm your care needs.
Unfortunately, No. Medicare alone does not qualify you for FreedomCare in Pennsylvania. Medicaid coverage is required to receive services. If you believe you may qualify for Medicaid, the Pennsylvania Medicaid office can help you apply.
You can choose someone you already trust to be your caregiver, including:
Your legal spouse cannot be your paid caregiver. All caregivers must be over 18 years old and authorized to work in the United States.
Enrollment with FreedomCare in Pennsylvania follows a step by step process:
Step 1: Confirm Medicaid eligibility
You must have active Pennsylvania Medicaid or be eligible to apply, since Medicaid is required to receive in home care services through this program.
Step 2: Request personal care services through the PAS program
Personal Assistance Services, also known as PAS, is the Pennsylvania Medicaid program that authorizes in home care and starts the approval process.
Step 3: Complete an assessment to determine your plan of care and approved hours
A state assessment is completed to evaluate your daily care needs and determine what services and how many hours Medicaid will approve.
Step 4: Complete orientation and authorization paperwork with FreedomCare
This step finalizes enrollment, ensures caregivers are properly authorized, and confirms that all required documents are in place.
Step 5: Attend a welcome call to confirm your official start of care date
During the welcome call, we review next steps, answer questions, and confirm when care and caregiver pay will officially begin.
Our team guides caregivers through each step of the onboarding process so nothing feels confusing or overwhelming.
If you already receive in-home care services in Pennsylvania, you can switch to FreedomCare by contacting our team and letting us know you want to make a change. Pennsylvania Medicaid allows participants to choose their care provider, and switching agencies does not mean you lose your approved services or hours. We help coordinate the transition with your current agency and the state so there is no interruption in care.
Yes, receiving disability benefits or SSI does not prevent you from qualifying for FreedomCare services in Pennsylvania. What matters most is having active Medicaid or being eligible for Medicaid, since Medicaid is what funds in-home care. Many people who receive SSI also qualify for Medicaid automatically, while others may need to complete a separate application.
In most cases, Pennsylvania Medicaid requires you to choose either FreedomCare or a traditional home care agency for your approved hours. You generally cannot use both at the same time, and FreedomCare does not add extra hours beyond what Medicaid authorizes. If you switch, your approved hours usually stay the same, but a family member or trusted person can become your paid caregiver instead of an agency assigned attendant.
Yes, you can change your caregiver or have more than one caregiver in Pennsylvania. Any new caregiver must complete the required enrollment steps before providing care, and all care must follow the approved Medicaid schedule. Having multiple caregivers does not increase the number of hours approved by the state.
Yes, you may still be able to participate in FreedomCare while receiving hospice care in Pennsylvania. Hospice services and Medicaid in-home care often address different needs, so one does not automatically exclude the other. Eligibility depends on having active Medicaid and whether your approved care plan allows both services at the same time. At FreedomCare, we help families review their situation and understand how hospice and in-home care can work together under Pennsylvania Medicaid rules.
No, participants do not need to pay to take part in FreedomCare. The program is fully funded through Pennsylvania Medicaid for those who are eligible. There are no enrollment fees, monthly charges, or out of pocket costs for approved in-home care services. At FreedomCare, we help make sure everything is set up correctly so you can focus on care, not expenses.
A Designated Representative can continue to play an important role when you work with FreedomCare in Pennsylvania. They can help manage schedules, complete required paperwork, and communicate with our team on your behalf. Designated Representatives also work closely with your Pennsylvania Medicaid case manager to support updates or changes to your care plan. We make sure everyone stays aligned so your care continues smoothly.
To become a paid caregiver in Pennsylvania, the patient must first be approved and enrolled. Caregivers are required to complete several onboarding steps, including:
A start of care call is scheduled with both the caregiver and patient to confirm the official start date.
No, there is no minimum number of hours required for caregivers in Pennsylvania. The number of hours you work depends entirely on the patient’s Medicaid approved plan of care. Some caregivers work only a few hours per week, while others provide more consistent daily support based on the patient’s needs. At FreedomCare, we help caregivers understand how approved hours are determined and what to expect based on the specific situation.
Family caregiver responsibilities in Pennsylvania may include assistance with primary and secondary activities based on the approved plan of care.
Primary activities may include:
Secondary activities may include:
Yes, you may care for more than one patient in Pennsylvania as long as each patient is approved for services. Medicaid requires that approved hours be tracked separately and divided between patients. You cannot be clocked in for more than one patient at the same time.
No, a misdemeanor does not automatically disqualify you from becoming a caregiver in Pennsylvania. The state requires a fingerprint based background check, and each situation is reviewed individually with safety in mind. Many misdemeanors do not prevent approval, especially if they are older or unrelated to caregiving responsibilities. At FreedomCare, we help you understand what to expect during the background check process and guide you through the next steps.
In Pennsylvania, caregivers must meet a few basic requirements to participate in the program. You need an active email address and a working smartphone to download and use the FreedomCare app. The app is used for scheduling, communication, and tracking approved care hours. At FreedomCare, we help caregivers get set up and make sure they are comfortable using the app before they begin providing care.
No, you do not need to be certified or have prior caregiving training to get paid as a family caregiver in Pennsylvania. The state does not require a formal license for this program, but caregivers must complete enrollment steps such as background checks and required onboarding. These steps are focused on safety and making sure caregivers are prepared to provide reliable care. At FreedomCare, we guide you through the entire Pennsylvania enrollment process so you know exactly what is required and when.
In Pennsylvania, caregiver pay rates beginning in 2026 generally range from $11 to $14.50 per hour. The exact rate depends on the patient’s county of residence and the specific Medicaid care program approving the hours. Pay is tied to the number of hours authorized by the state and properly tracked during care.
Working hours are based on the number of hours the patient is approved for by Medicaid and the schedule requested by the patient. All caregiving hours must follow state labor laws and PAS program guidelines. Caregivers should only work and clock in for authorized hours.
Payment timing in Pennsylvania depends on the payment method you choose during enrollment. Caregivers can receive pay through direct deposit, a mailed check, or a pay card that is provided at no cost. Payments are issued for approved Medicaid hours that are properly tracked using the FreedomCare app. We help caregivers choose the option that works best for them and understand when to expect payment.
Yes, FreedomCare does provide overtime pay in Pennsylvania when it is authorized by the patient’s approved Medicaid care plan. Caregivers may work up to 56 hours per week, which can include up to 16 hours of overtime when those hours are approved by the state. Overtime eligibility depends on the patient’s assessed needs and authorized schedule, not personal preference.
Caregivers who work with FreedomCare in Pennsylvania may be eligible for benefits that offer added stability and peace of mind, including:
Eligibility depends on the specific Medicaid program and the number of hours worked, so not every caregiver will qualify for every benefit. What makes FreedomCare a great option is that we take the time to explain what applies to you and help you understand your benefits based on your unique situation.
FreedomCare currently operates in Pennsylvania, as well as a number of other states throughout the US, and can help you understand your options if care is needed elsewhere.
FreedomCare currently operates in these additional states:
To qualify for care with FreedomCare in Pennsylvania, you must meet the following requirements:
If approved, you may be able to receive care at home and choose a trusted family member or friend as your paid caregiver.
Yes, Medicaid is required to enroll with FreedomCare in Pennsylvania. Medicare alone does not meet eligibility requirements for this program. If you do not currently have Medicaid but believe you may qualify, you can apply through the Pennsylvania Medicaid office by calling 1-866-550-4355, and many families reach out to us at this stage for guidance on next steps.
Yes, Medicaid is required to qualify for the FreedomCare program in Pennsylvania. Medicare alone is not sufficient for eligibility. If you think you may qualify for Medicaid, contacting the Pennsylvania Medicaid office is the first step to begin the application process.
Enroll now to have a family member or a trusted friend care for you in your home.
