These videos give an overview of the various Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) available in Pennsylvania for providers who want to learn how to start or operate an HCBS agency in the state. Each video explains the purpose of the service, provider requirements, licensing process, and how the program functions. Use these videos to better understand the responsibilities, standards, and steps involved in becoming or working with approved HCBS providers in Pennsylvania. Explore each section to find the service that best matches your goals or area of interest.
Respite Care
Respite Care Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded supports that provide short-term, temporary care for individuals with disabilities or complex health needs so their primary caregivers can rest, attend to personal matters, or prevent burnout. Respite may occur in the individual’s home, a provider-operated facility, or a community-based setting. These services are covered under the state’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers through the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL).
Residential Care
Residential Support Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded programs that offer 24/7 or intermittent supervision and assistance for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). These services help individuals live safely in community-based settings while receiving the daily supports they need to develop life skills, maintain health, and participate meaningfully in society. Residential supports are funded under the Consolidated and Community Living Waivers through the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP).
Supported Employment
Supported Employment Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded and state-supported services that assist individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and other disabilities in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining competitive integrated employment. These services are delivered through the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and authorized under Pennsylvania’s HCBS Waivers, including the Consolidated, Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS), and Community Living Waivers. Additional coordination may occur with the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).
Personal Care
Personal Care Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded supports that help individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related limitations perform activities of daily living (ADLs). These services are designed to promote independence, reduce institutionalization, and support safe, stable living arrangements in the community. Personal care is authorized through Pennsylvania’s HCBS Waivers under the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), as well as the Community HealthChoices (CHC) managed care program.
Specialized Medical Equipment
Specialized Medical Equipment (SME) Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded supports that provide individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions the assistive devices and equipment needed to live safely and independently in their homes or community settings. These services are delivered through the state’s HCBS Waivers — including the Consolidated, Community Living, and P/FDS Waivers — and are authorized under the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), depending on the population served.
Skilled Nursing
Skilled Nursing Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded, medically necessary services delivered by licensed nurses to individuals with complex health needs. These services are designed to prevent or delay institutionalization by providing clinical interventions in the individual’s home or community setting. Skilled nursing is covered under the Pennsylvania Medicaid State Plan, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, and Community HealthChoices (CHC) Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
Habilitation Services
Habilitation Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded supports that help individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) acquire, retain, or improve self-help, social, and adaptive skills needed for daily living. These services are delivered under Pennsylvania’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers through the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). Habilitation may occur in homes, day programs, or community settings, and is tailored to meet the individual’s goals as outlined in their Individual Support Plan (ISP).
Adult Health
Adult Health Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded supports that help individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and aging-related needs maintain their health, function, and independence at home or in the community. These services are delivered through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), primarily under the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), and Community HealthChoices (CHC) Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). Services range from medical oversight and monitoring to personal care and therapeutic supports.
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (AT) Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded supports that provide individuals with disabilities the tools, devices, and training necessary to increase, maintain, or improve their functional abilities at home and in the community. These services are authorized under Pennsylvania’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers through the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), and Community HealthChoices (CHC) managed care organizations (MCOs).
Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded supports designed to help individuals with mental illness, emotional disturbances, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), or co-occurring behavioral challenges achieve stability, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. Services range from individual therapy to community-based behavioral support and are delivered under the oversight of the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), managed care organizations (BH-MCOs), and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) for individuals with IDD.
Home Modification
Home Modification Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded supports that allow individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or age-related limitations to remain safely in their homes by modifying their physical living environment. These services are available through the state’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers under the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), and Community HealthChoices (CHC) Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
Nursing Facility Transition
Nursing Facility Transition (NFT) Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded supports that assist individuals in moving from nursing facilities back into their homes or community-based settings. These services are designed to reduce unnecessary institutionalization and are coordinated through Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices (CHC) program, the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), and local Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). They include service planning, housing search, home setup, and linkage to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).
Community Integration
Community Integration Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded supports designed to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) access and engage with their communities. These services promote inclusion, build natural supports, and empower individuals to participate in meaningful social, recreational, educational, and civic activities. Community Integration is authorized under Pennsylvania’s HCBS waivers through the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP).
Homemaker
Homemaker Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded supports that assist individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or aging-related limitations in maintaining a clean, safe, and functional home environment. These non-medical services are provided under Pennsylvania’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers through the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) and coordinated by Community HealthChoices (CHC) Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
Case Management
Case Management Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded supports that assist individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or aging-related needs in accessing and coordinating the full range of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). Case managers (also known as Service Coordinators or Supports Coordinators) develop service plans, monitor care delivery, and connect individuals with waiver services to improve quality of life and prevent institutionalization. These services are delivered under the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), and Community HealthChoices (CHC) Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
Transportation
Transportation Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded supports that assist individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions, and aging-related needs in traveling to medical appointments, waiver services, employment, and community activities. These services promote independence, prevent isolation, and ensure access to vital resources. Transportation is authorized through the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), and Community HealthChoices (CHC) Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
Home Health
Home Health Care Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded clinical services provided in an individual’s home for the purpose of treating illness, managing chronic health conditions, or aiding recovery after surgery or hospitalization. These services must be medically necessary, ordered by a physician, and delivered by licensed professionals. Home Health Care is authorized through the Pennsylvania Medical Assistance Program (via PROMISe™), the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), Community HealthChoices (CHC) Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), and in some cases, via private insurance or Medicare.
Meal & Nutrition
Meal & Nutrition Services in Pennsylvania are Medicaid-funded supports that ensure individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or aging-related limitations receive regular access to balanced, nutritious meals. These services are essential for preventing malnutrition, promoting health, and helping individuals live safely and independently in their homes. Meal services are authorized through Pennsylvania’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers via the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), and Community HealthChoices (CHC) Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
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