Elder Care Index

What It Costs Across Pennsylvania

Finding the right assisted living community for your loved one in Pennsylvania means understanding the financial landscape, which can vary significantly by region. While the statewide median cost for assisted living is around $5,700 per month as of 2025, individual facility costs are influenced by location, the level of care needed, and the amenities offered. You'll find that major urban centers tend to be more expensive. For instance, monthly costs in Philadelphia can reach around $7,443, and Pittsburgh averages about $5,855. On the other hand, more rural areas or smaller cities offer more affordable options. Gettysburg, for example, can be as low as $3,800 per month, while Scranton averages approximately $4,362. Other areas like Reading and Williamsport also present lower average costs. The difference can be substantial, so exploring options across different counties can truly impact your budget.

Will Medicaid Help Pay?

Yes, Pennsylvania does offer assistance through its Medicaid program, known as Medical Assistance. The primary program that can help with assisted living services is the Pennsylvania Aging Waiver Program, also part of the Community HealthChoices (CHC) program. It's important to understand that this waiver typically covers the *services* your loved one receives, such as personal care, nursing care, home modifications, and transportation, rather than the room and board itself.

Eligibility for 2025 requires a single applicant to have a gross monthly income under $2,901 and countable assets under $2,000, though an additional $6,000 disregard is permitted if income is below that limit, making the total asset limit $8,000. Exempt assets include their primary residence (up to a certain equity limit), one car, and personal belongings. For married couples, the healthy spouse can keep a significant portion of assets, up to $157,920 in 2025. Be aware that Medicaid waivers are not an entitlement, meaning there's a limited number of spots, and waitlists can exist. The waitlist prioritizes those with the most urgent need, often favoring individuals in their homes over those already in assisted living facilities.

How to Find a Good Facility

Pennsylvania has a variety of licensed care settings. As of 2023, there were 67 licensed Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) and 1040 licensed Personal Care Homes (PCHs) across the state. ALRs generally offer a higher level of care and can support residents needing a nursing home level of care, while PCHs provide assistance with daily activities but not extensive medical care.

When looking for a facility, consider factors beyond just cost, like the amenities, safety measures, and the range of engaging activities offered. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state's oversight agency, licensing and regulating both ALRs and PCHs through its Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) Bureau of Human Services Licensing (BHSL). You can use the DHS Provider Directory to search for licensed facilities and, importantly, access inspection summaries and violation reports. These reports detail any deficiencies found, the facility's plan to correct them, and verification of compliance, giving you a transparent look into a facility's history. Inspections are conducted at least annually, and more frequently if violations are found. If you have a concern, you can also submit a complaint directly to the BHSL.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: Genworth 2024, state licensing agency.