Pennsylvania lawmakers granted $21 million in additional funding to a sliver of in-home caregivers in the state budget passed Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Workers directly hired by the people they care for will see their per-hour state payments rise to more than $15 from $13.51, an increase that could make a small dent in addressing Pennsylvania\u2019s home care staffing crisis.<\/p>\n
The rate applies only to personal care, a category distinct from medical care that can range from simple companionship to extensive help with daily tasks.<\/p>\n
Matthew Yarnell, president of Service Employees International Union Healthcare Pennsylvania, said the funding is a \u201ccritical step\u201d toward livable wages for participant-hired workers.<\/p>\n
The rate increase affects about 8,500 direct-care workers, according to the state Department of Human Services.<\/p>\n
Advocates for the majority of in-home caregivers, who work for agencies, say they\u2019ve been hung out to dry. This side of the industry saw no funding boost.<\/p>\n
\u201cPennsylvania\u2019s legislature had the opportunity to address the state\u2019s home care crisis but instead chose politics over people,\u201d Mia Haney, CEO of the Pennsylvania Homecare Association, said in a statement. \u201cThis is not how you stabilize a collapsing system; this is how you deepen a crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Homecare Association, representing agencies, says more than 112,000 at-home personal care shifts are missed each month because of short staffing.<\/p>\n
Brandon Cwalina, a spokesman for the Department of Human Services, said raising wages through Gov. Josh Shapiro\u2019s budget will help attract and retain a skilled workforce.<\/p>\n
\u201cGov. Shapiro understands the direct care workforce shortage is one of the biggest challenges facing Pennsylvania,\u201d Cwalina said. \u201cThe governor remains committed to working with the General Assembly and community leaders to address the needs of Pennsylvania\u2019s dedicated direct care workforce.\u201d<\/p>\n