Community HealthChoices (CHC) | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Community HealthChoices (CHC) | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Community HealthChoices
Serving more people in communities rather than in facilities by providing necessary supports.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is committed to increasing opportunities for older Pennsylvanians and individuals with physical disabilities to remain in their homes.
If you’re 21 or older and have both Medicare and Medicaid, or receive long-term supports through Medicaid because you need help with everyday personal tasks, you may be eligible for enrollment in Community HealthChoices (CHC).
CHC will coordinate your health care coverage to improve the quality of your health care experience — serving more people in communities rather than in facilities, giving them the opportunity to work, spend more time with their families, and experience an overall better quality of life.
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​How to Apply
Individuals may be enrolled in CHC if they are 21 years old or over and are:
Receiving both Medicare and Medicaid
Receiving long-term services and supports in the Attendant Care, Independence, COMMCARE, or Aging waivers
Receiving services in the OBRA waiver AND determined nursing facility clinically eligible
Receiving care in a nursing home paid for by Medicaid
An Act 150 participant who is dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid
Individuals are NOT eligible for CHC if they are:
Receiving long-term services and supports in the OBRA waiver and are not nursing facility clinically eligible
An Act 150 program participant, who is not dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid
A person with an intellectual or developmental disability who is receiving services through the DHS' Office of Developmental Programs
A resident in a state-operated nursing facility, including the state veterans' homes
Individuals who are 55 or older may opt to enroll in the
Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE)
program instead of CHC if they:
Meet the level of care needs for a skilled nursing facility or a special rehabilitation facility
Meet the financial requirements as determined by your local
county assistance office (CAO)
or be able to privately pay
Reside in an area served by a LIFE provider
Are able to be safely served in the community as determined by a LIFE provider
CHC Implementation Timeline
Each of the five CHC zones is covered by all three CHC managed care organizations (MCOs).
Community HealthChoices Related Info
Contact CHC
CHC Publications
​Supporting Documents for CHC
Communications to CHC Participants
CHC Operations Memoranda
LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly)
Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB)
For Providers of Community HealthChoices
Provider Trainings (CHC)
​Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA)
Evaluation Plan of CHC
APPLY FOR MEDICAID
Apply online using COMPASS
COMPASS is an online platform which makes it easy to apply for, or renew, your benefits.
Apply via COMPASS
See if you qualify