Pictured above: Robert Torres, Secretary of Aging
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging promotes independence, purpose and wellbeing in the lives of older adults through advocacy, service and protection. Its goal is to create a commonwealth where older adults are embraced and empowered to live and age with dignity and respect.
The department represents Pennsylvania’s rapidly growing older population, currently more than three million people ages 60 and older, and oversees an array of services and support programs that are administered through its network of 52 local Area Agencies on Aging. Below is information on a couple of programs that can be of benefit to older adults.
Department Of Aging encourages seniors to prepare for transition to 5G cellular service
with older mobile phones to learn about the potential impacts related to the shutdown of the 3G network service and prepare accordingly. The shutdown involves the nation’s three major wireless carriers and could occur as soon as this month.
As the 3G network retires, individuals will not be able to make or receive calls and text messages or use data services on their older phones. The shutdown could also impact other devices that rely on 3G connectivity, including medical alert devices, tablets, home security systems, and roadside assistance systems.
“Many seniors utilize their cell phones and tablets for entertainment and to stay connected with family and friends,” says Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. “I urge older adults to learn the status of their device’s connectivity . . . and to find out what actions their carriers may be taking to help them with making a smooth transition to the 5G network.”
Phone companies are directly notifying users of the devices that utilize the 3G network to inform them if the discontinuation impacts them’ however, seniors with older phones that they use only to contact 911 for emergencies may not receive a notification if they do not have active service with a carrier.
Mobile service providers may be offering older adults special deals on new devices, including some deals that may include a new phone. The Federal Communications Commission may be able to assist older adults with switching to a new device using either of its two programs:
• The Lifeline Program provides a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers. To learn more, visit fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers.
• The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program provides a temporary discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households during the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more, visit fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.
To learn more about the various programs offered by the
Pennsylvania Department of Aging, visit aging.pa.gov.
PACE/PACENET Prescription Assistance Programs increase income levels to help more older Pennsylvanians
Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance programs for older adults, PACE and PACENET, which offer low-cost prescription medication to qualified residents ages 65 and older, is expanding to help more Pennsylvanians. As of February 21, PACE and PACENET will expand their income limits by $6,000, meaning that individuals who have income up to $33,500 and married couples who have income up to $41,500 can qualify for assistance.
The programs cover most medications that require prescriptions, including insulin and diabetes supplies. Individuals can enroll in PACE or PACENET while also receiving benefits from another insurer; for example, a former employer-retiree plan, the VA, or a Medicare Advantage plan.
Older Pennsylvanians who are newly eligible will be able to be enrolled and begin receiving benefits starting February 21. Eligibility requirements are:
PACE
• You must be 65 years of age or older and a Pennsylvania resident for at least 90 days prior to the date of application.
• You cannot be enrolled in the Department of Human Service’s Medicaid prescription benefit.
• For a single person, total income must be $14,500 or less.
• For a married couple, combined total income must be $17,700 or less.
PACENET
• You must be 65 years of age or older and a Pennsylvania resident for at least 90 days prior to the date of application.
• You cannot be enrolled in the Department of Human Service’s Medicaid prescription benefit.
• PACENET income limits are slightly higher than those for PACE
• For a single person, total income can be between $14,500 and $33,500
• For a married couple, combined total income can be between $17,700 and $41,500
Eligibility is determined by the previous calendar year’s income. Seniors who applied for PACE/PACENET over the past year, but were not eligible, will automatically have their applications processed and will receive their benefits cards as soon as the new law takes effect on February 21.
PACE and PACENET are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and are funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery. For more information, call (800) 225-7223.