Data as of September 30, 2026: 754 active Certified Community Health Workers (CCHWs)
The Pennsylvania Community Health Worker Collaborative (PACHW) has worked alongside CHWs, employers, community-based organizations, health systems, managed care organizations, policymakers, and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to advance sustainable financing for Pennsylvania’s growing CHW workforce.
A major milestone was reached in 2026 through Pennsylvania’s Physical HealthChoices program. Effective April 18, 2026, certified CHWs may enroll in Medical Assistance and provide covered services to eligible Physical HealthChoices members. PACHW has supported implementation through workforce education, technical assistance, employer and payer engagement, and ongoing identification of barriers and opportunities to strengthen the model.
This new reimbursement pathway represents an important step toward long-term CHW workforce sustainability. While current coverage remains limited in scope, it provides employers with a new opportunity to offset a portion of CHW service costs and creates a stronger foundation for continued investment in recruitment, paid training, apprenticeships, and other pathways that diversify and expand the workforce. Sustainable workforce development requires both accessible pathways into the profession and durable financing that allows organizations to retain CHWs after training or time-limited funding ends.
The work is statewide and supports CHWs and the organizations employing them across Pennsylvania, with continued opportunity to strengthen access for community-based organizations and expand the populations able to benefit from reimbursable CHW services, including pregnant and postpartum individuals.