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Take Action
Are you an advocate for older adults or interested in becoming an advocate? Please consider bookmarking CARIE’s website and check back on a regular basis for policy updates and advocacy alerts. For immediate notification, please click on Email List Sign-up. (To review archive editions of CARIE Connection policy updates, please visit the "News" section of CARIE's website.)
CARIE sponsors monthly meetings of the Dorothy S. Washburn Legislative Committee. Please click here for the most recent agenda.
The Office of Long Term Living is Clarifying its NFCE Definition
The Office of Long Term Living (OLTL) sought feedback on its draft Nursing Facility Clinically Eligible (NFCE) clarification. The OLTL also drafted NFCE background information. On May 22, 2008, CARIE submitted comments concerning the draft document.
PCA Holds a Public Hearing
On May 15, 2008, the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) held a pubic hearing entitled, "Meeting the Needs of Philadelphia's Elderly" that related to its upcoming budget for next fiscal year and its draft area plan for 2008-2012. CARIE provided testimony at the hearing.
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging State Planning Process
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) is required by both federal and state laws to develop a “State Plan on Aging.” As part of the process, a series of town meetings was recently held throughout the Commonwealth to receive stakeholder input into the 2008-2012 State Plan on Aging. PDA will compile the public input and information it receives from local area agency on aging plans into a draft plan that is expected to be posted on PDA's website in mid-May. A series of public hearings will then be held about the draft plan and PDA expects to submit a final plan to the Administration on Aging by August 1, 2008. There are three public hearings regarding the draft plan tentatively scheduled so far including: West Mifflin on June 3, Pleasant Gap on June 4, and Philadelphia on June 6. More information about the public hearings and how to submit comments will be posted on PDA’s website along with the draft plan.
PDA has posted a discussion guide that was utilized at the town meetings, an online survey and detailed statistical information by county to help with the planning process. Over 240 people attended the town meeting in Philadelphia on March 25. CARIE submitted comments to the PDA for this stage of the state planning process. Update: CARIE partcipated in a public hearing in Philadelphia on June 6 sponsored by PDA about the draft state plan. Click here for a copy of CARIE's testimony.
The Pennsylvania Office of Long Term Living's Listening Sessions
In Pennsylvania, the Aging Waiver and Attendant Care Waiver are scheduled to expire on June 30, 2008. The Office of Long Term Living held a series of listening sessions across the Commonwealth to obtain stakeholder input for the renewal document for each Waiver. Here is a copy of the testimony Diane Menio provided at the Norristown session.
Senate Holds Hearing to Mark the 20th Anniversary of the Nursing Home Reform Act
On May 2, 2007, the Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing entitled: “The Nursing Home Reform Act Turns Twenty: What has Been Accomplished and What Challenges Remain?” The Center for Medicare Advocacy prepared a summary of the hearing that includes relevant links. NCCNHR has posted information about the Nursing Home Reform Act as well as links to the information presented at the hearing. CARIE also submitted a written statement for the record.
PCA Holds Public Hearing
On June 4, 2007, the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) held a public hearing entitled: "Meeting the Needs of Philadelphia's Elderly." CARIE presented testimony at the hearing.
SEPTA Public Hearing
On April 12, 2007, CARIE’s transportation advocate provided testimony at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA’s) “FY 2008 Operating Budget Proposal” public hearing. (http://www.septa.org/news/press_releases/030707.html ) Specifically, CARIE’s testimony reflects concerns regarding the proposed massive fare hikes for SEPTA Shared Ride and Paratransit services as well as SEPTA’s proposed service cuts. In addition to proposing increased fares for fixed route service, SEPTA is proposing to raise Shared Ride fares. Their proposal is a bit misleading in that it only shows the 15% co-payment portion, raising the group ride co-payment from $3.20 to $3.70 and the individual ride from $3.50 to $4.00 as opposed to the full lottery funded subsidized fare. CARIE strongly opposes any increase in fares for the Shared Ride Program or Paratransit. In addition, the testimony explains how service cuts have the potential of causing serious consequences to older adults. - Update: The Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee has issued a report, "Feasibility of Requiring Shared-Ride Services During Evenings and Weekends and for Intercounty Travel." (5/2008)
Pennsylvania Senate Aging and Youth Committee Hearing
Senator Washington, Minority Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Aging and Youth Committee, held an informational hearing on October 24, 2006. The focus of the hearing was the “aging population in Pennsylvania.” Since the Senate was in session until after 3 AM earlier that morning, the only Senators in attendance were Senators Washington and Connie Williams. The Committee was seeking recommendations on how state government could help with problems and issues related to long term care and older adults. CARIE was among those who provided testimony. Please click here to read CARIE's testimony.
"Take Action" Archives
To review previous "Take Action" advocacy alerts, please visit CARIE's "Archives" in the "Policy" section of our website or to simply access a list click here.