Medicaid Home Modification Assistance in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania covers home modifications through Community HealthChoices (CHC), a managed long-term care Medicaid program. If you're enrolled in CHC, your CHC managed care organization (CHC-MCO) coordinates Nursing Home Transition assistance, which includes timing and support for home modifications needed before moving back into the community.
Pennsylvania’s home modification assistance is coordinated through its managed long-term care program rather than a single standalone waiver, which means your specific managed care organization plays a central role.
Community HealthChoices (CHC)
Community HealthChoices (opens in a new tab) is Pennsylvania’s managed care program for long-term services and supports, covering both Medicaid physical health services and long-term care. If you’re enrolled in CHC, your CHC-Managed Care Organization (CHC-MCO) is your primary contact for accessing services, including support for home modifications tied to nursing home transitions.
Nursing Home Transition (NHT) assistance
For someone in a nursing facility who wants to return to community living, CHC-MCOs coordinate Nursing Home Transition (NHT) assistance. Because a safe transition often depends on the home being ready — accessible, with any needed modifications complete — the transition timeline explicitly accounts for how long modifications may take, alongside finding appropriate housing and arranging other in-home services.
How to apply
If you’re already enrolled in Community HealthChoices, contact your CHC-MCO directly to request Nursing Home Transition assistance and discuss what home modification support is available under your plan. If you’re not yet enrolled, start with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to confirm Medicaid long-term care eligibility and CHC enrollment.
Other assistance to check
Pennsylvania has significant rural areas that may qualify for USDA Section 504 (opens in a new tab), which operates independently of CHC enrollment. Veterans should also check the VA HISA grant (opens in a new tab) as a separate benefit that can complement CHC-coordinated support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to already be enrolled in Community HealthChoices to get help?
Yes — Nursing Home Transition assistance through a CHC-MCO is coordinated for people already enrolled in Community HealthChoices. If you're not yet enrolled, the first step is establishing Medicaid long-term care eligibility and CHC enrollment through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
Why does the transition timeline depend on home modifications?
Moving from a nursing facility back into the community isn't just a logistics question — if the home needs modifications (a ramp, a widened doorway, bathroom accessibility changes) to be safe for the person moving back in, that work has to happen before the transition can safely occur, which is why modification timing is explicitly part of the transition planning process rather than an afterthought.