Pennsylvania Provides Loan Program to Help People with Disabilities

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), which includes the Office of Developmental Program’s (ODP), the Office of Aging (PDA), and the Community and Economic Development (DCED) Office are partnering to launch the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Loan Program in July 2016.  

“The loans can help build the infrastructure so individuals can live where they want and how they want, giving them many more choices than they would have if living in a facility. I’m thrilled to announce this next step towards accomplishing my administration’s goal to help more Pennsylvanians receive home-based care, said Governor Tom Wolf.”

 According to a recent news article, “the loans are intended to support long-term care providers as they position themselves to successfully transition to managed care in Community HealthChoices, Governor Tom Wolf’s plan to improve the quality of care for seniors and individuals living with disabilities through managed long-term services and supports. The loans will be provided for projects that help the commonwealth to meet its goal of expanding opportunities for long-term services and supports in the community. It’s expected that loans for startups, reconfiguration, or expansion will range from $50,000 to $200,000.”

 We believe that supporting the development of a new supports and services structure will mean that more people are served in the right setting,” said DHS Secretary Ted Dallas. “This new system also gives folks the proper amount of support to help them live independently in their homes and communities.”