HARRISBURG – State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33) is reminding older Pennsylvanians and their caretakers that a number of steps have been taken over recent days to protect seniors during statewide efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging recently issued guidance to help older adult day centers, adult protective services, and senior centers continue to meet the needs of older adults while coronavirus mitigation measures remain in effect.
Some of the guidance addresses temporary senior center and adult day center closings, congregate meal alternatives, and processes that can temporarily be completed via telephone rather than in person. These guidelines are available here.
“We all have an obligation to work together during this crisis to protect the people we are elected to serve,” said Mastriano. “I remain willing to work with Governor Wolf and his administration as well as my colleagues in the General Assembly to respond to this crisis strongly and intelligently.”
The department is also relaxing restrictions in the PACE prescription assistance program that require a person to use 75 percent of their medication before seeking a refill. Enrollees who wish to receive an exception must have their pharmacy provider contact PACE at 1-800-835-8040.
All enrollees should be able to receive free home delivery of medications from their pharmacy. Enrollees who have difficulty obtaining their refills can call Cardholder Services at 1-800-225-7223.
Additionally, the deadline for older Pennsylvanians and disabled state residents to apply for the Property Tax Rent Rebate Program has been extended from June 30 until December 31. The program provides rebates of up to $975 for eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded.
The Online Customer Service Center remains open for applicants who have questions about the program.
CONTACT: Scot Andrew Pitzer; spitzer@pasen.gov.