Seniors may be eligible for state waiver program for alternatives to nursing home care
The state Department of Aging Waiver Program uses funds originally earmarked to fund non-medical in-home health care through Medical Assistance as an alternative to nursing home placement.
State shortchanges nursing homes $5,000 per year per Medicaid resident
A press release issued by the Pennsylvania Health Care Association states that the gap between the cost of caring for Pennsylvania’s frail and elderly in nursing homes and what the commonwealth reimburses for that care under the Medicaid program jumped from $11.91 in 2007 to $13.92 in 2008 – a nearly 17 percent hike.
Retirement community exec among those against proposed assisted living regs
“America’s assisted living system is designed to empower older consumers, allowing them to remain as independent as possible and encouraging them to make choices and pick what is best for their way of life as well as their wallet,” says David Leader. “Pennsylvania’s proposed system will create a new level of care that most seniors can neither access nor afford.”
Assisted living regulations are delayed
After proposed regulations for assisted living facilities were met with dissatisfaction from several senior citizen advocacy groups, the state has decided to delay implementing the new rules, and might even revise them.
State heard testimony against nursing home chain
Allegations against the largest chain of nursing homes in the state, HRC ManorCare, Inc.; was the subject of a hearing by the House Aging & Older Adult Service Committee.
More on veterans healthcare: Video
Another report on the lack of prescription assistance for veterans who live in long-term care facilities.
New bill would allow more veterans to receive low-cost prescriptions
A bill has been introduced that would give more veterans the benefits of low-cost prescriptions.
More on new assisted living regulations: PALCA says they’re inadequate
The Pennsylvania Assisted Living Consumer Alliance believes that the proposed regulations for assisted living facilities are inadequate; driving home their point by comparing the proposed training requirements for assisted living employees (there are none) to those for professions such as hair braiding and dog grooming.
Dept. of Public Welfare extends comment period for new assisted living rules
The PA Department of Public Welfare is currently developing new requirements and regulations for assisted living facilities in the state, and is now seeking public input on the issue until Sept. 15.
PA Dept. of Aging has launched website to help those who need info on long term care
The Pennsylvania Office of Long-term Living has launched an updated Web site to better serve Pennsylvanians who are seeking information and resources about long term living services.