If you or a loved one needs help with daily living in Lackawanna County — bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication reminders, or mobility support — Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices (CHC) program may cover the full cost of home care services. And you may already qualify without realizing it.
At Traditional Home Health Care, we are proud to be a contracted provider with all three CHC managed care plans: AmeriHealth Caritas, PA Health & Wellness, and UPMC Community HealthChoices. That means families in Scranton, Dunmore, and throughout Lackawanna County can access our full range of home care services at no out-of-pocket cost through Medicaid.
Here is everything you need to know about getting started.
What Is Community HealthChoices?
Community HealthChoices is Pennsylvania’s mandatory Medicaid managed care program for adults age 21 and older who need long-term services and supports. The program serves over 400,000 Pennsylvanians statewide, including older adults (65+), people with physical disabilities, and individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (known as “dual eligibles”).
The goal of CHC is simple: help people stay in their homes and communities instead of moving to a nursing facility. Through CHC, eligible individuals receive coordinated medical care and home-based services managed by one of three statewide health plans.
The Three CHC Health Plans in Lackawanna County
When you enroll in CHC, you choose one of three managed care organizations (MCOs) to coordinate your care:
- AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania — Call Participant Services at 1-855-235-5115
- PA Health & Wellness (Centene Corporation) — Pennsylvania’s managed care partner
- UPMC Community HealthChoices — UPMC’s statewide managed care plan
Traditional Home Health Care is an in-network provider with all three plans. This means no matter which MCO you choose, we can provide your home care services.
You can switch your MCO at any time if you are not satisfied with your care coordination.
Home Care Services Covered Under CHC
Once enrolled and approved, your MCO authorizes and funds the following home care services at no cost to you:
Personal Assistance Services
- Bathing, dressing, grooming, and personal hygiene
- Meal preparation and cooking
- Medication reminders and assistance
- Light housekeeping related to your care
- Mobility assistance around the home and community
- Support with all activities of daily living (ADLs)
Additional Services Available Through CHC
| Service | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Respite Care | Temporary in-home care to give family caregivers a break |
| Home Health Services | Skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy provided in the home |
| Adult Day Care | Supervised daytime programs with activities and meals |
| Home Modifications | Ramps, grab bars, bathroom modifications for safety and accessibility |
| Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) | Medical alert systems for fall detection and emergencies |
| Assistive Technology | Devices that help with independence and daily tasks |
| Meal Delivery | Home-delivered meals for nutrition support |
| Transportation | Non-emergency medical and community transportation |
In total, the CHC program includes 32 different services tailored to individual needs. Your specific care plan will be developed based on a comprehensive needs assessment.
Do You Qualify? Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for CHC home care services in Pennsylvania, you must meet three main criteria:
1. Age and Residency
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Be a resident of Pennsylvania
2. Financial Eligibility
- Income limit (2026): $2,982 per month or less (300% of the Federal Benefit Rate)
- Asset limit: $8,000 or less in countable assets per individual
- Your home, one vehicle, personal belongings, and certain other assets are typically exempt
3. Medical/Functional Need
- Require a nursing facility level of care (NFLOC)
- This is assessed through a Functional Eligibility Determination (FED)
- Generally, this means you need assistance with three or more activities of daily living
Not sure if you qualify? Contact us at Traditional Home Health Care — we can help you understand the eligibility requirements and guide you through the process.
How to Enroll: Step by Step
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Apply through the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker (PA IEB): Call: 1-877-550-4227 Online: Visit the PA COMPASS website
Step 2: Financial Eligibility Review
Your local County Assistance Office will review your income and assets to confirm Medicaid eligibility.
Step 3: Functional Needs Assessment
An assessor from your local Area Agency on Aging will conduct an in-person evaluation to determine the level of care you require.
Step 4: Choose Your Health Plan (MCO)
Once approved, you select AmeriHealth Caritas, PA Health & Wellness, or UPMC Community HealthChoices. Remember — Traditional Home Health Care works with all three.
Step 5: Start Receiving Care
Your MCO assigns a service coordinator who develops a person-centered care plan and connects you with a home care agency. You have the right to choose your provider.
The entire enrollment process typically takes 30 to 90 days.
Why Lackawanna County Families Choose Traditional
Traditional Home Health Care has been serving families across Lackawanna and Wayne Counties with a full spectrum of care:
- Home Health — Skilled nursing and therapy services
- Home Care — Personal care assistance and daily living support
- Hospice — Compassionate end-of-life care
- Private Duty — Flexible, personalized care on your schedule
What sets us apart is that we are locally owned and operated — not a national franchise. When you call Traditional, you reach people who live and work in your community. We understand the specific needs of families in Scranton, Dunmore, Carbondale, and across NEPA.
We also accept all three CHC managed care plans, which gives you the freedom to choose or change your health plan without losing your home care provider.
Get Started Today
If you or a family member could benefit from home care in Lackawanna County, do not wait — Community HealthChoices makes quality care accessible and affordable.
Contact Traditional Home Health Care to learn more about your options, check your eligibility, and start the enrollment process:
Traditional Home Health Care is a contracted provider with AmeriHealth Caritas, PA Health & Wellness, and UPMC Community HealthChoices, serving families in Lackawanna County, Wayne County, and the NEPA region.
