Aug. 22, 2024
Simple Fixes Mean Better Protections for Seniors
Unfortunately, the stories of seniors being taken advantage of are numerous.
All too often, we hear of a senior becoming friendly with a neighbor or even nursing home staffer. What started as friendly conversation progressed to more detailed conversations. The senior’s adult children reside out of state and phone calls are more social than asking about care.
This is a predator’s prime target. And soon, that senior will be offered assistance in making decisions. “Sign this form,” the predator says, “it just means I can help you sometimes.”
Certainly, this story will not end well.
Our seniors in Pennsylvania have worked in our steel mills and manufacturing plants. They have farmed our land, taught our kids, and cared for us when we were sick. Their contributions to the Commonwealth in the past warrant our highest level of attention for their care, comfort and protection now.
This is why I happily voted in favor of three measures during this legislative session that are geared toward making certain that seniors are protected and have reliable access to the care they need.
As of last year, Pennsylvania has more than 19,000 active senior guardianships on file. A legal guardianship is intended to provide protection for someone who is no longer capable of handling financial, legal and treatment decisions. But the laws surrounding such guardianship agreements lacked important safeguards.
Act 61 of 2023 made four important changes to the guardianship process, including requiring mandatory appointment of legal counsel for the alleged incapacitated individual, consideration of less restrictive alternatives to guardianship, certifications for court appointed guardians, and requiring review hearings of the guardianship.
To correct funding ratios used to calculate Medicaid reimbursements for nursing homes, part of
Act 15 of 2023 stabilized the funding process. As a result, care reimbursements to nursing facilities are more predictable.
A well-used program called Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE/PACENET), provides comprehensive prescription coverage to those age 65 or older.
Act 62 of 2023 prevents PACE and PACENET participants from losing their benefits due to a Social Security cost-of-living increase.
PACE is available to older Pennsylvanians earning $14,500 or less, or married couples earning $17,700 or less. PACENET is available for individuals earning between $14,500 and $33,500 or married couples earning between $17,700 and $41,500.
Upon receiving an average 8.7% cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefits last year, some PACE and PACENET participants risked losing their eligibility had the new law not been passed.
Last fall, I hosted a policy hearing with the House Republican Policy Committee, titled “Aging with Confidence.” At the hearing, testifiers discussed many of these topics and offered important perspectives on much-needed changes to the law.
My office has helped many seniors apply for PACE or PACENET. If you or a loved one would like more information, my staff and I can be reached at my Washington Township/Export office at 724-387-9113 or at my New Kensington office at 724-472-4102.
The Commonwealth has the fifth highest population of seniors in the U.S. They were part of our workforce and are the grandparents of Pennsylvania’s schoolchildren. When Pennsylvanians move on to the next phase of their lives, it should be a time of enjoyment and celebration, and most certainly should be free of worry.
Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.
Problems with Your Flight? - A new complaint form is available from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for residents who have encountered hardships with airline travel, ranging from flight delays and cancellations to boarding problems.
The new form is in response to a nationwide uptick in consumer complaints regarding air travel and was created in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation to better assist Pennsylvania travelers. Consumers may file complaints whether they purchased tickets directly through the airline, or through an agent or third party. Residents of Pennsylvania or those who faced airline issues in Pennsylvania are eligible to use the new complaint form.
The form can be obtained here.
Join Me at These Upcoming Events – Below is a list of events scheduled for September that are available to you and your family. Reach out to my Washington Township/Export office at 724-387-9113 or at my New Kensington office at 724-472-4102 with any questions.
•
Mobile Shredding Event with co-host Sen. Joe Pittman, Monday, Sept. 16, New Kensington district office,
356 Freeport St., New Kensington, 4-6 p.m. We have partnered with the Westmoreland Food Bank to merge this event with a food drive to help local families. Consider bringing an optional donation of a non-perishable food in a non-glass container.
•
Seniors for Safe Driving Class, Tuesday, Sept. 17, Avonmore Senior Center,
458 Railroad St., Avonmore, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Register by calling 1-800-559-4880 or going to seniorsforsafedriving.com.
•
Seniors for Safe Driving Class, Thursday, Sept. 19, Murrysville Senior Center,
3091 Carson Ave., Murrysville, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register by calling 1-800-559-4880 or going to seniorsforsafedriving.com.
•
Firearms Safety and Rights Seminar with Firearms Owners Against Crime, Thursday, Sept. 19, Lower Burrell VFW Post 92,
1601 Wildlife Lodge Road in Lower Burrell, 5-8 p.m. To register, call the New Kensington office at 724-472-4102 or the Washington Township/Export office at 724-387-9113.
Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com
RepJillCooper.com / Facebook.com/RepJillCooper