Pulse development · 1 cited source · October 10, 2026
Pennsylvania’s home-care payment problem leaves shifts unfilled
Workers and providers say low wages and Medicaid reimbursement rates are making it harder to recruit and retain caregivers.
Workers and providers say low wages and Medicaid reimbursement rates have made it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain caregivers, leaving people who rely on those services vulnerable when shifts go unfilled. The Pennsylvania Homecare Association said more than 112,000 shifts go unfilled across the state each month.
The reimbursement constraint is built into the state’s Medicaid system: agencies cannot simply raise what Medicaid pays them when wages and other operating costs increase. Home care workers assist with everyday activities such as feeding, dressing and bathing.
Evidence
Each statement shown below is a verified claim this source supports.
- Pennsylvania’s home-care payment problem leaves shifts unfilled
- Workers and providers say low wages and Medicaid reimbursement rates are making it harder to recruit and retain caregivers.
- Workers and providers say low wages and Medicaid reimbursement rates have made it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain caregivers, leaving people who rely on those services vulnerable when shifts go unfilled.
- The Pennsylvania Homecare Association said more than 112,000 shifts go unfilled across the state each month.
- The reimbursement constraint is built into the state’s Medicaid system: agencies cannot simply raise what Medicaid pays them when wages and other operating costs increase.
- Home care workers assist with everyday activities such as feeding, dressing and bathing.
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