The Pennsylvania Homecare Association, representing more than 700 in-home care providers across the state, is sounding the alarm over what it calls a worsening crisis in home-based care as the state budget stalemate stretches into its third month.
In a letter to FanDuel President Mike Raffensperger, PHA CEO Mia Haney (pictured at top) drew a sharp comparison between the sportsbook’s recent $80,000 contribution to keep SEPTA’s Broad Street Line running for Eagles fans and the lack of government funding to sustain essential caregiving services.
According to the PHA, more than 112,500 home-care shifts go unfilled every month in Pennsylvania, leaving seniors and children with complex medical needs without the support required to remain safely at home. Haney emphasized that these missed shifts translate to life-threatening gaps in care — from elderly residents going without basic daily assistance to children with ventilators stuck in hospitals.
At the center of the issue, Haney noted, are reimbursement rates set by lawmakers. Pennsylvania currently pays $20.63 per hour for in-home care, rates that are 25–75% lower than neighboring states. As a result, caregivers often leave the field entirely or cross state lines for higher-paying opportunities. “In Pennsylvania today, you can often make more working at Wawa or Sheetz than providing life-sustaining care,” Haney wrote.
Two separate state-commissioned studies have already concluded that reimbursement rates must be raised by 23%, requiring over $800 million. PHA is asking for less than half that amount — approximately $370 million — to stabilize the system.
“This isn’t a partisan political issue,” Haney stressed, calling on both parties in Harrisburg to resolve the funding impasse. While acknowledging FanDuel’s civic contribution to public transit, she argued that the caregiving shortfall represents a crisis “far higher” in stakes and urged Raffensperger to help amplify the issue.
For home care providers, the letter underscores the mounting financial and workforce pressures that threaten the sector’s ability to deliver essential services unless state leaders move swiftly to adjust funding.
