Understand the programs, in words that make sense.

Plain-language glossary

HCBS

Home and Community-Based Services — supports that help people stay in their own home instead of a facility.

Community HealthChoices (CHC)

Pennsylvania's managed long-term services and supports program for many older adults and adults with disabilities.

MCO

Managed Care Organization — the health plan that manages your benefits and authorizations.

OLTL

Office of Long-Term Living — the Commonwealth office that oversees long-term services and supports.

Medicaid waiver

A program that lets Medicaid pay for services at home that would otherwise only be covered in a facility.

Service Coordinator

The person who helps build and manage your service plan and requests authorizations.

Service plan

The written plan listing the services you are authorized to receive, including home-delivered meals when approved.

Authorization

Approval from your program or plan for a specific service, amount and time period.

Where to get help

• Your Service Coordinator

  The fastest route to add or change home-delivered meals in your plan.

• Your health plan (MCO) member services

  Use the number on your member ID card for benefit and grievance questions.

• Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

  County-level help for older adults, including assessments and local senior nutrition programs.

• PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources

  A statewide starting point when you are not sure who to call.

• SNAP (food assistance)

  Monthly grocery benefits that can work alongside a meal service.

• PA Relay 711

  Free relay service for callers who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability.