Cost of home care in Pennsylvania
Understand what drives the cost of in-home care and how families pay for it. Educational only — not a price quote or benefits determination.
Home-care costs depend on the type and amount of care, the region, the provider's rates, and how it's paid for. We won't quote a number here because the right answer depends on your situation — and a single dollar figure can mislead. Instead, here's how to think about the cost.
What drives the cost
- Hours of care per week — the biggest factor. More hours means more cost, whether hourly private-pay or approved Medicaid hours.
- Type of care — skilled home health (nursing, therapy) is generally priced differently from non-medical personal care and companionship.
- Level of caregiver — a certified nursing assistant (CNA) may command a different rate than a companion or homemaker.
- Where you live — rates vary across Harrisburg, York, Lancaster, and surrounding counties.
- The provider — each agency sets its own rates. Ask for a written rate schedule before you commit.
How families pay
- Private pay — paying the agency directly out of pocket. The most common route for non-medical home care.
- Medicaid — for eligible Pennsylvanians, often through Community HealthChoices and participant-directed services. Eligibility is determined by the program, not by us or the agency.
- Long-term-care insurance — if the policy covers home care, the insurer reimburses according to the policy terms.
- VA benefits — programs like Aid & Attendance or Veterans Directed Care may help for eligible veterans and surviving spouses.
- A mix — many families combine sources, for example private-pay hours topped up by family or an insurance benefit.
Don't trust a single number online. Any site that quotes an exact hourly rate for your area without seeing your situation is guessing. Ask each agency for its own current rate schedule, and confirm what's included (minimum visit length, weekend differentials, travel).
Where to check real cost data
For independent, nationwide cost surveys (not a quote for your situation), refer to:
Veritas CareConnect is an independent information and provider discovery platform. We don't set rates, guarantee benefits, or determine eligibility. Confirm costs directly with any provider you're considering, and confirm eligibility with the responsible program.