How to Apply for Medicaid Home Care in Pennsylvania — Step-by-Step COMPASS Guide

Before your family can access Pennsylvania’s paid home care programs, your loved one needs to be enrolled in Medical Assistance (Medicaid). In Pennsylvania, that process starts with COMPASS — the state’s online application portal at compass.dhs.pa.gov.

Before You Start: What You’ll Need

Social Security number, date of birth, proof of PA residency, proof of identity, proof of income for the household (Social Security letters, pension statements, pay stubs, tax returns), bank statements, proof of current health insurance, and immigration documentation if applicable.

The Application Process

Step 1: Create a COMPASS Account

Visit compass.state.pa.us and click “Register.” You can apply on behalf of a family member as an authorized representative.

Step 2: Start a New Application

Select “Apply for Benefits” and choose “Medical Assistance.”

Step 3: Enter Personal Information

Name, DOB, SSN, address, contact information, and representative details.

Step 4: Household and Income Information

Report all household members and all income sources. For long-term care Medicaid, income rules differ from standard Medicaid — a Special Income Trust (Miller Trust) may help if income is borderline.

Step 5: Asset and Resource Information

Report bank accounts, investments, property, vehicles. Key exemptions: the family home (if spouse lives there or applicant intends to return), one vehicle, personal belongings, certain burial trusts.

Step 6: Health and Disability Information

Provide detail about medical conditions, disabilities, and functional limitations.

Step 7: Review and Submit

Save the confirmation number. Respond promptly to any verification requests from the County Assistance Office.

What Happens After Approval

Enrollment in Community HealthChoices → MCO assignment → Service coordinator → Functional eligibility assessment → Care plan → Request Participant-Directed Services → Family caregiver onboarding.

Tips to Avoid Delays

Complete the application in one sitting. Make copies of everything. Consult with CareChoice if income/assets are borderline. Follow up with the County Assistance Office after two weeks. Mention urgency if your loved one is being discharged from a hospital or facility.

Let us help → Contact CareChoice in Philadelphia