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Free Guide — A-Team Home Care

Get the 2025 Home Care Cost Guide for Philadelphia Families

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How Philadelphia Home Care Costs Are Calculated

Home care in Philadelphia is priced primarily by the hour for non-medical services, or by the visit for skilled nursing. The final cost depends on the type of care needed, how many hours per week, the county you live in, and which payment program — if any — covers your situation.

For many Philadelphia-area families, the out-of-pocket cost is $0. Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices (CHC) Medicaid waiver covers personal care and companion care for eligible seniors and adults with disabilities — typically 20 to 56 hours per week with no copay required. Veterans may qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance benefit, which provides $1,478–$2,902 per month toward care costs.

For private-pay families not covered by Medicaid or VA benefits, the typical cost ranges from $25 to $48 per hour depending on the level of care. 24-hour live-in care (with rotating aides) typically runs $420–$580 per day.

Factors That Affect Home Care Costs in Philadelphia

No two care situations are identical. Here are the main variables that move the number up or down:

Level of care

Companion care (errands, meals, conversation) costs less than personal care (bathing, transfers, incontinence). Skilled nursing visits cost the most, and are billed by the visit, not the hour.

Hours per week

Most agencies have a minimum of 3–4 hours per visit. Fewer weekly hours generally mean a higher hourly rate. Families needing 40+ hours/week often get more favorable rates — and are more likely to qualify for Medicaid waiver coverage.

County

Philadelphia city rates are typically slightly higher than Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, or Chester counties. Cost of living, caregiver wages, and travel time all factor in.

Agency accreditation

ACHC-accredited agencies like A-Team Home Care carry higher operating standards — background checks, RN supervision, and clinical oversight. Rates reflect this. Unaccredited agencies may charge less but provide fewer protections.

Overnight and weekend rates

Some agencies charge a premium for overnight shifts (10 PM–6 AM) or weekend hours. A-Team does not charge different rates for overnight or weekend shifts for Medicaid-covered clients.

Specialty conditions

Dementia, Parkinson’s, autism, or complex pediatric needs may require aides with specialized training. This affects both matching time and, in some cases, cost — especially for private-pay families.

Who Pays $0 for Home Care in Philadelphia

Pennsylvania has several programs that cover home care at little to no cost. A-Team is enrolled in all of them.

Community HealthChoices (CHC) — Medicaid Waiver

The primary Medicaid program covering non-medical home care in Pennsylvania. CHC covers personal care and companion care for income-eligible seniors (60+) and adults with physical disabilities. Coverage is typically 20–56 hours per week with no copay. Enrollment is through OLTL (Office of Long-Term Living) and one of three CHC managed care organizations: Keystone First CHC, UPMC Community HealthChoices, or PA Health & Wellness. A-Team is enrolled with all three MCOs.

ODP Waivers (Consolidated and Community Living)

Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs funds home care for adults and children with intellectual disabilities and autism. The Consolidated Waiver covers up to $97,000/year in services including personal care, respite, and behavioral support. A-Team is an ODP-enrolled provider in Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester counties.

VA Aid & Attendance — VetAssist Program

Wartime veterans and surviving spouses who require help with activities of daily living may qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance pension benefit. Benefit amounts range from $1,478 to $2,902 per month depending on veteran status and care needs. A-Team is an enrolled VetAssist provider and handles the entire VA application at no cost.

OPTIONS Program — Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

Philadelphia residents age 60 and older who do not qualify for Medicaid may still receive subsidized home care through PCA’s OPTIONS Program. Funding is limited and cost-sharing is based on income. Call A-Team to check your eligibility before going private-pay.

Home Care Cost FAQ — Philadelphia Families

How much does home care cost per hour in Philadelphia?
In 2025, private-pay home care in Philadelphia typically costs $25–$32/hr for companion care, $28–$36/hr for personal care (bathing, dressing, transfers), and $38–$48/hr for skilled nursing visits. 24-hour live-in care runs $420–$580/day. Many families qualify for Medicaid or VA programs that reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs entirely.

Does Medicare cover home care in Philadelphia?
Medicare Part A covers skilled home health care (RN visits, physical therapy, wound care) after a qualifying hospital stay — but only while the need is “skilled” and the patient is homebound. Medicare does not cover ongoing personal care (bathing, dressing, errands) or companion care. For non-medical home care, Medicaid programs like Community HealthChoices are the relevant payer.

What is Community HealthChoices and who qualifies?
Community HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvania’s Medicaid managed care program for long-term care services. It covers personal care, companion care, and other supports for income-eligible individuals who are 21 or older and need help with activities of daily living. Philadelphia seniors 60+ and adults with physical disabilities are the primary eligible populations. A-Team handles CHC enrollment for eligible families at no charge.

Can I get paid to care for my own family member in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania’s Consumer-Directed option under CHC and the ODP waiver programs allows eligible individuals to hire a family member (including a spouse, adult child, or sibling) as their paid personal care worker. A-Team’s Family Caregiver Program manages payroll, taxes, and compliance so family caregivers get paid bi-weekly with proper documentation.

How many hours of home care does Medicaid cover per week?
Under Community HealthChoices in Pennsylvania, approved hours are determined by an independent assessment of functional need. Typical approvals range from 20 to 56 hours per week, though more complex cases may receive additional hours. ODP waiver programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities can fund more intensive schedules up to 24/7 coverage depending on the waiver and need.

What does the VA Aid & Attendance benefit pay?
In 2025, the VA Aid & Attendance pension benefit pays up to $2,902/month for a veteran with a spouse requiring care, $2,431/month for a veteran alone, and $1,478/month for a surviving spouse. These funds can be used for home care, assisted living, or adult day programs. A-Team is a VetAssist-enrolled provider and handles the full VA application process for eligible families at no cost.

Is there a minimum number of hours for home care visits?
Most home care agencies in Pennsylvania — including A-Team — have a minimum visit length of 3 to 4 hours. Shorter visits are generally not cost-effective for agencies due to scheduling and travel time. For families who only need 1–2 hours of assistance, some agencies offer companion care packages, or a social adult day program may be a better fit.

How do I find out if my parent qualifies for free home care?
The fastest way is to call A-Team’s intake team at (215) 490-9994. We check Medicaid eligibility (CHC), ODP waiver status, VA benefit eligibility (if the person or their spouse is a veteran), and OPTIONS Program availability in a single intake call — typically 10–15 minutes. There is no cost and no obligation to start care.

What’s the difference between a home care agency and an independent caregiver?
A licensed home care agency like A-Team employs its caregivers directly — it handles background checks, PA state Direct Care Worker (DCW) training, workers’ compensation, payroll taxes, and liability insurance. Independent caregivers cost less per hour but leave the family responsible for those obligations. In Pennsylvania, families using independent caregivers for more than 40 hours per week may be classified as employers by the IRS, creating tax liability.

Does A-Team accept both Medicaid and private-pay clients?
Yes. A-Team Home Care accepts Community HealthChoices (all three MCOs), ODP waivers, VetAssist/VA Aid & Attendance, OPTIONS, EPSDT (pediatric Medicaid), and private pay. We serve Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester counties. Call (215) 490-9994 to determine which program covers your situation before starting private-pay care.

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Our intake team checks Medicaid, VA, and OPTIONS eligibility on one call — usually 10–15 minutes.

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Related Pages

Philadelphia home care ·
Personal care services ·
Companion care ·
Family caregiver program ·
Veterans home care ·
Home care FAQ