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HB 2456

An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in public assistance, providing for payments for extraordinary personal care services.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 18 co-sponsors

The bill creates and funds payments for extraordinary personal care services under public assistance to reimburse caregivers for higher-than-routine care.

Referred to Human Services
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2456

Summary of HB 2456 (2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Title

An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in public assistance, providing for payments for extraordinary personal care services.

Objective and Intent

  • The bill modifies public assistance provisions to formalize payments for extraordinary personal care services.
  • It aims to expand or clarify compensation for personal care tasks that go beyond routine activities, ensuring recognition and reimbursement for additional caregiving needs within the existing Human Services Code framework.

Key Provisions (highlights)

  • Clarifies or creates a mechanism for paying for “extraordinary personal care services” under public assistance programs administered under the Human Services Code.
  • Establishes eligibility criteria, payment rates, or reimbursement methodologies applicable to extraordinary personal care services (the bill text would specify exact definitions, thresholds, and rates; the summary notes that it centers on extraordinary care tasks).
  • Aligns with the broader goals of supporting individuals who require substantial assistance with daily living activities, potentially including individuals with disabilities, elderly, or other eligible recipients receiving public assistance.
  • May include administrative procedures for claims submission, verification, and audit processes to ensure proper use of funds.
  • Could set timelines or phased implementation if the changes require system updates or new program guidelines.

Note: The exact statutory language would detail the definitions (e.g., what constitutes “extraordinary” care), eligible providers, caps or limits, and how payments integrate with existing payments for personal care services.

Affected Parties

  • Recipients of public assistance who require personal care services beyond standard levels, including elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and other eligible clients served by Pennsylvania’s Human Services Code programs.
  • Personal care service providers who deliver extraordinary care and seek reimbursement under public assistance programs.
  • State and local agencies administering public assistance and Medicaid/waiver programs that cover personal care services.
  • Caseworkers and administrators responsible for approving, processing, and auditing claims for personal care payments.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • The bill would likely outline effective dates for when the new payments for extraordinary personal care services become available, and any transitional provisions.
  • It may specify application procedures for recipients and providers, documentation requirements, and decision timelines.
  • If the change necessitates regulatory updates, it could include a phased implementation or a mandate for the Department of Human Services to issue updated guidelines within a defined period.

Potential Impact

  • Financial: Introduces or expands reimbursement for extraordinary personal care, potentially increasing public expenditure in the relevant public assistance programs.
  • Service Access: May improve access to higher levels of in-home or facility-based personal care for individuals with greater care needs.
  • Provider stability: Could enhance compensation for caregivers delivering intensive or specialized personal care services.
  • Administrative: Might require changes to claims processing systems, provider enrollment, and compliance monitoring to accommodate new payment criteria.

Considerations for Stakeholders

  • Clarity on what constitutes “extraordinary” care and how it is verified.
  • How new payments interact with existing benefits, caps, or waivers.
  • Budgetary implications and annual funding availability.
  • Oversight, reporting requirements, and accountability measures to prevent misuse.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include hypothetical definitions and rate structures based on typical legislative language for extraordinary personal care payments, or adapt it once the bill’s full text is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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