13-02-2025
Letter: Shapiro budget overlooks people who provide home care
As senior director of workforce development for the Pennsylvania Homecare Association, I am deeply concerned by Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed state budget, which critically overlooks our 270,000+ direct care workers.
While the budget proposes a minimum wage increase and additional funding for participant-directed services, it completely fails to address 94% of the broader homecare workforce crisis including caregivers and nurses. The governor spoke about 'opening doors to opportunities,' yet his budget actively closes doors for hundreds of thousands of direct care workers who provide essential services across Pennsylvania.
The budget leaves Medicaid reimbursement rates at $20.63 for personal assistance services. By the time employers pay taxes, insurance, workers compensation, rent and other expenses, what is left for our direct care workers does not adequately recognize the critical work they perform. Imagine not being able to get a shower tomorrow because there are not enough workers to visit you. Imagine not being able to get out of bed without support and relying on a paid worker to literally start your day.
By not comprehensively supporting our workforce, we risk leaving vulnerable populations without necessary care and potentially forcing more individuals into nursing home settings.
Dedicated health care professionals deserve dignified compensation and recognition. They are the backbone of Pennsylvania's home health care system, providing compassionate, life-changing support to thousands of urge policymakers to reconsider this budget and prioritize our essential direct care workforce.
Becky Jacobs
Senior Director of Workforce Development, Pennsylvania Homecare Association
