In this post, we will guide you through the process to change or switch your current home care agency in Pennsylvania.
Seniors on Medicaid with UPMC, AmeriHealth Caritas, PA Health and Wellness want to know how to switch home care agencies. Lower pay and other factors frequently compel seniors or caregivers to change home care agencies, yet the process may lack clarity.
If an individual is getting private pay home care, the process is usually more direct. Typically, they set an end date for home care and search for a new provider in the interim.
Fortunately, this holds for individuals receiving senior home care services under the Medicaid waiver program as well.
Steps to change home care agency under the PA Medicaid waiver program
When a caregiver or client wishes to change or switch agencies, they should follow this steps.
Consider looking at all the ways that A Good Friend In Home Care can help you and caregivers. We firmly believe that treating our caregivers like family will lead to better care for our clients.
A Good Friend In Home Care is contracted with all three MCOs (UPMC CHC, PA Health and Wellness, Ameri HealthCaritas).
We pay $14.50 to our caregivers working for a family member.
Checkout A Good Friend In Home Care commitment to pay a family caregiver here.
Step 1: Find a home care agency.
When considering a switch, ensure you’ve selected your desired senior home care provider or agency.
A Good Friend In Home Care is a go to home care agency for all your needs. Our process is simple and straight forward. We provide Interpreter and Translation services for clients and caregivers whose primary language is not English.
Step 2: Contact your assigned Service Coordinator to begin the process.
Next, the participant or their representative should contact their Service Coordinator to facilitate the home care agency switch. The Service Coordinator oversees services a participant receives under the Medicaid waiver, serving as the main point of contact. The Service Coordinator can assist in ensuring uninterrupted caregiving during the transition. If you need help contacting with service coordinator please send us an email at info@agoodfriendinhomecare.com.
Step 3: Fill out the appropriate health plan form given by your Service Coordinator.
Each health plan will have its forms for the participant to review, sign and authorize the home care agency change. Return it as indicated by the Service Coordinator or the health plan as appropriate.
Step 4: Confirm that the Service Coordinator has everything they need.
Ensure the Service Coordinator collaborates with home care agencies for a smooth, uninterrupted transfer of services. The Service Coordinator will inform each home care agency about the changes. It’s wise to personally confirm with each agency that they have what’s needed for a flawless home care agency change.
Step 5: Begin services with your new home care provider.
Hopefully, your new services start smoothly, and you or your caregiver are satisfied with the newly chosen agency.
Final Thoughts
Participant choice is crucial in selecting their preferred home care agency or provider under Medicaid waiver services. This holds true irrespective of the particular service they receive.
If unsatisfied with your current home care agency, explore what A Good Friend In Home Care can provide. We’re available to assist you, dedicated to ensuring a seamless and stress-free process.
Do you have any more queries regarding changing home care providers or the services provided by A Good Friend In Home Care? Contact us now with any questions you may have.
Feel free to reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging for additional information. Here is the link for Allegheny County AAA website.
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