Senate News Update
From Senator Jane Earll
March 7, 2008

The State Plan on Aging

Every four years the Pennsylvania Department of Aging is required to develop and submit a "State Plan on Aging."

The plan is a requirement in order for the Commonwealth to receive federal funds for senior citizen programs. It also helps structure the department's priorities and set an aging agenda for the state, and your input for the 2008-2012 is welcome.

This year, 2008, is the scheduled year for review of the State Plan on Aging that will be implemented between 2009 and 2012.  The new plan addresses goals including: 

• Informing seniors and their families of health care and long-term care options.
  • Later this year, 1.7 million "long term living tool kits" will be distributed.
  • The state is awaiting a response from the federal government on its "Long Term Care Partnership" plan, which will reward those who purchase long term care insurance with Medicaid coverage when the insurance is depleted, rather than depleting their assets as happens under the current financial rules.
• Respecting the choice of setting in which to age, with improved access to home and community-based services and family caregiver supports.
  • The home setting can serve two persons for the same price as one in a nursing home.  The departments of Aging and Public Welfare are reviewing "waiver" cases for in-home services to see how to expand the reach of the program.
  • Under a new law, the state is establishing licensing standards for assisted living facilities, creating a new option for consumers. 
• Promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.
  • APPRISE counseling is available through the Erie Center on Health and Aging to help seniors find the right coverage so that they can obtain screenings, preventive care, flu shots, nutrition and exercise information.  This includes mental health information and advice on prescription drug plans. 
  • Senior centers can also be good sources of information and social interaction for healthy aging. 
• Protecting seniors from fraud, abuse and neglect.
  • The Area Agency on Aging in Erie handles inquiries on abuse and neglect in conjunction with the District Attorney's Office. More than 10 percent of the inquiries in 2005-2006 turned out to be substantiated and protective services were provided.

Your input on how well the Department of Aging is doing now, or what can be improved in the future, is encouraged.  My office can forward comments on the goals, how best to measure quality in services and programs, or other concerns, to the Department of Aging.

You can also link to a survey of the questions asked at town meetings from my website: www.senatorearll.com.  (The Northwest region meeting was held in February in Clarion.) 

The direct address for the Department's website is www.aging.state.pa.us. There you will find much more program and referral information in addition to State Plan details and the survey link. 

The Erie Area Agency on Aging (459-4581 extension 400) can also assist you with program and referral information.

With Pennsylvania's vibrant and growing senior population, it's a good idea to develop a State Plan on Aging every on a regular basis. If you have any ideas, please contact my office and let me know.

As always, if you have questions on this or any state government matter, please do not hesitate to call my office at 814-453-2515.