Pennsylvania Reduces ID/A Emergency Waitlist by 40 Percent Under Shapiro Strategy

Pennsylvania Reduces Disability Waitlist by Forty Percent

Pennsylvania has cut its emergency waiting list for intellectual disabilities and autism waiver services by 2,742 individuals since February 2024, representing a 40 percent drop from an initial 4,592 people, according to data from pa.gov. That reduction leaves fewer adults waiting for critical home and community-based support, though officials continue working to clear the remaining backlog entirely.

Funding Boosts Direct Support Wages and Provider Rates

Governor Josh Shapiro secured $354.8 million in state and federal funding for intellectual disabilities and autism services in the 2024–25 budget. The money raises rates for service providers and increases wages for direct support professionals, which has helped lower job vacancy rates across the sector. More than 42,000 Pennsylvanians now receive home and community services, marking the highest total ever recorded under the state’s multi-year growth strategy.

Five Counties Eliminate Emergency Lists Entirely

Clarion, Forest, Lawrence, Potter, and Warren counties have wiped out their emergency waitlists completely. The remaining statewide emergency list stands at 1,850 individuals down from the February 2024 baseline. Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh stated that the reductions ensure adults receive vital assistance when they need it rather than facing prolonged administrative delays.

Executive Orders Expand Protections for Disabled Residents

Governor Shapiro signed three executive orders in April 2026 to broaden protections for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and autism. The administrative actions also establish a new Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities. Subsequent budget planning in the 2026–27 spending plan maintains baseline funding for direct support worker wages to sustain the workforce gains achieved over the previous two budget cycles.

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Questions Regarding Remaining Backlogs

• How many people remain on the emergency waiting list? The emergency waitlist stands at 1,850 individuals following the recent 40 percent reduction from the February 2024 baseline of 4,592.
• Which counties have cleared their lists? Clarion, Forest, Lawrence, Potter, and Warren counties have completely eliminated their emergency waitlists for intellectual disabilities and autism waiver services.
• What funding supports these wage increases? The Shapiro administration secured $354.8 million in state and federal funding during the 2024–25 budget cycle, with continued support maintained in the 2026–27 budget.