Personal Assistance Services (PAS) are essential for individuals with disabilities and seniors to live independently. However, current fee-for-service rates do not reflect the cost of providing quality care, leading to a workforce crisis that affects caregivers and consumers alike.
The Workforce Crisis
- PAS providers face an unsustainable turnover rate of over 50% due to inadequate wages and benefits.
- Direct Care Workers (DCWs) in Pennsylvania earn an average of $13.40 per hour, significantly below the $42.24 per hour living wage needed for an adult with one child in Pennsylvania.
- Many PAS workers leave for higher-paying jobs in neighboring states, where they can earn 25% to 75% more for the same work.
The Mercer & OLTL Wage Study Findings
- The study concluded that there is a significant gap between current PAS rates and market benchmarks.
- The study recommends a minimum 23% increase in PAS fee-for-service rates for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to stabilize the workforce.
Why This Matters
- Without fair wages, PAS workers will continue to leave the profession, creating service gaps for those who depend on home care.
- Low wages disproportionately impact women and minority workers, who make up the majority of PAS caregivers.
- Individuals with disabilities risk losing their independence due to workforce shortages.
Take Action
Tell Pennsylvania legislators that we must increase PAS fee-for-service rates to ensure fair wages and stable, quality care for individuals with disabilities.
