In short
Pennsylvania's senior care market is shaped by its dense network of personal care homes and assisted living residences, with assisted living averaging about $6,480 a month statewide. The Pennsylvania DHS Office of Long-Term Living administers Community HealthChoices (CHC), the managed-care program covering long-term services and supports for seniors who qualify for Medicaid.
Pennsylvania’s senior care landscape
Pennsylvania has a dense network of personal care homes, assisted living residences, and skilled nursing facilities, reflecting its older population and long history of institutional long-term care. The state licenses personal care homes (PCH) and assisted living residences (ALR) through the Department of Human Services.
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and their surrounding counties have the widest range of options. Lancaster County, with its mix of urban and rural communities, sits within a reasonable drive of Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Baltimore, giving families access to a broad medical network.
Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices (CHC) program is the managed-care delivery system for long-term services and supports, covering nursing facility care and home- and community-based services for seniors who qualify for Medicaid.
What care costs in Pennsylvania
These are Pennsylvania-wide medians from the 2025 CareScout Cost of Care Survey. Actual costs in your city can be higher or lower.
| Type of care | Pennsylvania median (2025) | National median (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted living | $6,480 a month | $6,200 a month |
| Nursing home (semi-private) | $11,954 a month | $9,581 a month |
| Home care (44 hrs/wk) | $6,483 a month | $6,673 a month |
Not sure where to start?
Tell us where your parent is and what kind of care they need. We’ll tell you the options in their area and help you narrow to the few worth your time.
How Pennsylvania helps families pay
Pennsylvania programs that help seniors pay for care
- Medicaid long-term care
- Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices (CHC) is the managed-care program covering long-term services and supports, including nursing home care, home care, and community-based services for seniors who qualify for Medicaid.
- Who qualifies
- Income limit of $2,982/month single. Asset limit is $2,000 single with a $6,000 state disregard.
- Where to start
- Lancaster County Office of Aging, 717-299-7979 (toll-free 800-801-3070)
- Veterans
- VA Aid and Attendance pension for wartime veterans who need help with daily activities.
- Medicare
- Does not pay for assisted living or long-term care. Covers short rehab stays.
Sources: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services; Lancaster County Office of Aging; Medicare.gov; VA.gov. Rules change; confirm current eligibility.
Our Pennsylvania city pages
Each city page has specific cost ranges, local Area Agency on Aging contacts, neighborhood guidance, and answers to local questions.
| City | County | Typical AL cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster | Lancaster County | $5,500 to $7,000/mo |
Questions families ask
What’s the difference between a personal care home and assisted living in PA?
Personal care homes provide room, board, and personal care in a residential setting. Assisted living residences offer more privacy, independence, and typically a higher staff-to-resident ratio.
Does Pennsylvania have a program for home care?
Yes. Community HealthChoices (CHC) covers home and community-based services for seniors who qualify for Medicaid, including personal care, home health, and adult day services.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living in Pennsylvania?
No. Medicare does not pay for assisted living or any form of long-term custodial care.
Sources: CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, carescout.com/cost-of-care; State agency websites; Medicare.gov; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved October 8, 2026.