Last verified: October 2026
What is the difference between LIFE and Community HealthChoices?
LIFE is a single provider that delivers almost all care through its own team and day center for people 55 and older, while Community HealthChoices is a managed care plan (AmeriHealth Caritas, PA Health & Wellness or UPMC Community HealthChoices) that pays a network of separate providers for adults 21 and older.
Both require a nursing-facility level of care for long-term services, and both enroll through the Independent Enrollment Broker at 1-877-550-4227.
Who tends to do better in LIFE?
LIFE tends to suit someone who benefits from attending a day center, needs a lot of coordination among doctors, therapists and aides, and is comfortable switching to the LIFE team's physicians.
Every one of our seven counties has a LIFE provider, though service areas follow ZIP codes.
Who tends to do better in Community HealthChoices?
Community HealthChoices tends to suit someone who wants to keep their current doctors where they are in the plan's network, prefers services delivered at home rather than at a center, or is younger than 55.
The court-ordered redo of CHC plan selection in 2026 does not change current members' plans for now.
Can you switch between LIFE and CHC?
Yes, a person can disenroll from one and enroll in the other, generally effective the first of a month, through the Independent Enrollment Broker.
Ask about the effective date before switching so there is no gap in services.
What happens to Medicare when someone joins LIFE or CHC?
A LIFE participant receives Medicare and Medical Assistance benefits through the LIFE provider, which becomes responsible for all covered care, while a dual-eligible CHC member keeps Medicare coverage alongside the CHC plan, which coordinates Medicaid benefits.
Before enrolling in either, ask how prescriptions will be covered and whether current specialists are in network or on the LIFE team, since that is where families most often run into surprises.
Is LIFE or CHC available in every county around Pittsburgh?
Community HealthChoices is available statewide, so every county in the region has all three CHC plans, and each of the seven counties has at least one LIFE provider, though a LIFE program's service area may not cover every ZIP code in its county.
LIFE vs. Community HealthChoices
| LIFE | Community HealthChoices | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 55 | 21 |
| Structure | one provider and day center | managed care plan with a network |
| Doctors | LIFE team | plan network |
| Plans in 2026 | one LIFE provider per service area | AmeriHealth Caritas, PA Health & Wellness, UPMC |
