CAMP HILL, PA – For over 16 years, Personal Care Homes (PCH) that provide housing and care to the seniors of the Commonwealth, have expressed their concerns about the significantly inadequate SSI supplement reimbursement they currently receive.  Despite the consistent request for additional SSI support, PA has not raised their portion of the SSI supplement since 2006.  Currently, the average is $39 a day to these homes.  COVID-19 has forced many of these homes to close because of the rising costs for infection control and staffing.  As a result, fewer PCH are accepting SSI residents, severely limiting adequate care options for the Commonwealth’s seniors. 

PALA thanks Governor Wolf and DHS Acting Secretary Snead for recognizing the need to raise this reimbursement. 

The $50 million will help PCH to continue to serve these residents.  The funding will help to maintain their homes and to recruit and retain a quality workforce. 

We are hopeful that the Legislature will recognize the significant need to include this long sought after funding in its budget, and support our seniors most in need of additional assistance.  Governor Wolf has taken a tremendous first step to provide for these low income citizens of the Commonwealth in the place they call home.