Attendant Care Eligibility Requirements

Pennsylvania has two attendant care programs, known simply as the Attendant Care Waiver and ACT 150, for people with disabilities.

The following eligibility requirements are listed on the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s website.

Eligibility requirements for attendant care in Pennsylvania

To be eligible for either the Attendant Care Act 150 Program or the Attendant Care Waiver, individuals must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age but less than 60 years of age.
  • Be mentally alert and capable of:
    • Selecting, supervising and, if needed, firing an attendant
    • Managing one’s own financial affairs
    • Managing one’s own legal affairs
  • Experience any medically determinable physical impairment that can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months or that may result in death.
  • Due to physical impairment(s), require assistance to complete functions of daily living, self-care and mobility.
  • Be a citizen of the United States or immigrant lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
  • Be a resident of Pennsylvania.

Additional requirements to participate in the Attendant Care Medicaid Waiver:

  • Individuals must require nursing home care facility level of care for a period of 12 months or longer.
  • Possess income and resources within limits established in the Medicaid Waiver for Attendant Care Services.

Additional requirements to participate in the Attendant Care Act 150 Program:

  • While most consumers do not pay into the Attendant Care Act 150 Program, individuals with higher income may be assessed a minimal co-payment. This co-payment is based on the consumer’s income and will never be more than the total cost of services.

source: http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/fordisabilityservices/attendantcare/attendantcareact150/index.htm