How Immigrant Families in Philadelphia Can Access Paid Caregiving Programs

Philadelphia is one of the most diverse cities in the country, and a significant portion of the families providing daily care to aging or disabled relatives are immigrant families. Many of these families assume — often incorrectly — that Medicaid-funded home care programs aren’t available to them. The truth is more nuanced, and for many immigrant families, the programs absolutely are accessible.

This guide addresses the most common concerns immigrant families in Philadelphia have about accessing paid caregiving programs, including immigration status, language access, and how to navigate the system.

Who Qualifies Based on Immigration Status

The question most immigrant families ask first is whether their loved one’s immigration status affects eligibility. The answer depends on the specific status.

Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) are generally eligible for full Medicaid benefits in Pennsylvania, including Community HealthChoices and home care services. There was previously a five-year waiting period for some federal benefits, but Pennsylvania has provisions that may cover certain populations during that period through state-funded programs.

Refugees and asylees are eligible for Medicaid immediately upon arrival without a waiting period. If your family came to the U.S. as refugees and your loved one needs home care, they can apply through COMPASS right away.

U.S. citizens — including naturalized citizens — have full access to all Medicaid programs. Many immigrant families include naturalized parents or grandparents who are fully eligible.

Other immigration statuses have varying levels of eligibility. Some individuals may qualify for Emergency Medicaid, which covers acute conditions, while others may qualify for state-funded programs. This is an area where the rules are complex, and a wrong assumption in either direction — “I definitely don’t qualify” or “I definitely do qualify” — can cost your family time and money. CareChoice recommends that families in uncertain situations consult with a benefits specialist or immigration-informed social worker before deciding not to apply.

One important clarification: applying for Medicaid benefits that your loved one is legally entitled to does not create “public charge” problems for most immigration situations. The public charge rule was revised and clarified in recent years, and Medicaid for long-term care services is generally not counted in public charge determinations. However, immigration law changes frequently, and families with active immigration cases should consult an immigration attorney for guidance specific to their situation.

Language Access Is Required — Not Optional

Pennsylvania’s Medicaid programs are legally required to provide language access services. This means applications, assessments, and service coordination must be available in your preferred language. Interpreters should be provided at no cost for meetings with the MCO, service coordinators, and during the functional eligibility assessment.

In practice, language access doesn’t always work smoothly. Some families report difficulty getting interpreters scheduled in a timely manner, or finding that written materials aren’t available in their language. If you’re experiencing language barriers, you have the right to request accommodations — and to file a complaint if they’re not provided.

CareChoice works with families across Philadelphia’s language communities. Having a family member serve as the caregiver is itself a form of cultural and linguistic access — your loved one receives care from someone who speaks their language, understands their food and cultural practices, and knows the rhythms of their daily life. This is one of the reasons Participant-Directed Services is so valued in immigrant communities.

Why Family Caregiving Resonates in Immigrant Communities

In many cultural traditions, caring for aging parents isn’t just an obligation — it’s an honor. The idea of sending a parent to a nursing home or having a stranger provide intimate daily care can feel deeply uncomfortable. Many immigrant families have been providing this care for years, often at enormous personal and financial sacrifice, because it’s simply what family does.

Pennsylvania’s paid family caregiving programs aren’t asking you to change how you care for your family. They’re recognizing the work you’re already doing and compensating you for it. Your loved one stays home. You stay the caregiver. The only thing that changes is that you receive a paycheck, tax withholdings, workers’ compensation, and the professional recognition you deserve.

How to Get Started

The process is the same as for any family: confirm your loved one’s Medicaid eligibility through COMPASS (compass.state.pa.us), get enrolled in Community HealthChoices, request a functional assessment, choose Participant-Directed Services during care planning, and complete the Agency with Choice enrollment for the family caregiver.

If language is a barrier at any step, request an interpreter. If immigration status is unclear, consult with a benefits specialist before deciding not to apply. And if the process feels overwhelming, CareChoice is here to help — we’ve guided families from every community in Philadelphia through this exact journey.

Contact CareChoice → Philadelphia team

Related: Get Paid to Care for Family in PA → | COMPASS Application Guide → | Who Qualifies? →