LIFE Program may be best option for Blair County Seniors affected by changes in State’s Medicaid Program
About 6,500 seniors in Blair County who receive long-term services through Medicaid will need to choose a new plan by November 15 under the State’s new Community HealthChoices Program.
The State began informing affected persons last week via mailed information about Community HealthChoices.
Community HealthChoices is a managed care program modeled after the States successful LIFE Program. The LIFE Program is an option for eligible persons age 55 and older under Community HealthChoices.
LIFE stands for Living Independence for the Elderly. The LIFE Program provides an array of healthcare and support services for Medicaid-eligible seniors 55 years and older to help them remain living in their homes and communities.
Under Community HealthChoices, persons receiving Medicaid-funded long term care services will need to choose either their local LIFE Program, or one of three state-contracted managed care organizations to coordinate their health and long-term care services. The changes will be finalized by January 1, 2018.
Senior LIFE is the local LIFE Provider in Blair County. Located at 1311 Twelfth Avenue in Altoona, Senior LIFE has been helping southwest PA seniors live independently in their homes for more than 10 years. There are no costs for any LIFE Program service for those that are Medicaid-eligible.
To help consumers understand the changes in Medicaid and the LIFE option under Community HealthChoices, Senior LIFE will hold three informational meetings open to the public and the media.
HealthChoices – Senior LIFE Informational Meetings
Wed. September 6, 2017 – 11:00 a.m.
Thurs. October 19, 2017 – 5:30 p.m.
Tues. November 10, 2017 – 1:00 p.m.
All meetings will be at Senior LIFE, 1311 Twelfth Avenue, Altoona PA 16601
Those that cannot attend any of the meeting dates can schedule an appointment at a more convenient time. Transportation can be provided to the Senior LIFE Center. Senior LIFE outreach staff is also available to visit consumers in their homes.
The LIFE Program is an alternative to nursing and personal care homes. There are no costs for services for Medicaid eligible persons. Senior LIFE services are customized to meet the specific needs of each individual and include physicians and specialists, nursing care, physical, occupational and speech therapies, personal and home care, medications, meals and nutritional counseling, eye, dental and foot care, durable medical equipment, transportation and more.
For more information call 814 943-2273 or visit us online at SeniorLIFEaltoona.com.
Contact:
Faith Sobel, Marketing Coordinator, Senior LIFE PA
724-838-8300
