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Physical Disabilities & Aging

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Harrisburg, PA – 49 state employees were honored yesterday with the Governor’s Awards for Excellence, showing bravery, innovation, persistence, and dedication to the residents of our state.

This group included the Community HealthChoices Team – Department of Human Services
Wilmarie Gonzalez, Jennifer Hale, Michael Hale, Randolph Nolen, Daniel Sharar, Jill Vovakes, and Kristen Wierman for leading the largest phase of implementation of Community HealthChoices, a program for older Pennsylvanians and individuals with physical disabilities. Their carefully planned coordination and communication with participants, stakeholders, advocates, local officials, and managed care organizations, as well as health care, home care, and long-term care providers, resulted in a successful roll out with no disruptions in care or services.

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On October 2, 2020 the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Alex Azar, announced the renewal of the determination that a public health emergency (PHE) exists as a result of the continued consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The previous PHE was scheduled to expire on October 23, 2020. This renewal is effective as of that date. A determination remains in effect for 90 days or until the Secretary determines that an emergency no longer exists, whichever occurs first. Many of the waivers issued to providers by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and HHS are eligible to remain in place for the duration of the PHE.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 5, 2020

Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today urged residents to get their flu vaccine at the start of flu season as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

“Every flu season is different, but this flu season leaves a lot of unknowns,” Dr. Levine said. “One thing we do know is the flu is serious and can be deadly, which is why it is extremely important that Pennsylvanians are receiving their flu vaccine now. In addition to getting your flu vaccine, it is essential to take other preventative measures to protect yourself from the spread of the flu. There is no better measure to protect yourself from flu than to get a flu vaccine.”

This year, both the flu shot and nasal spray are available and recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older to protect against the flu. The flu vaccine can often diminish the severity of symptoms and the duration of symptoms a person might experience should they come down with the flu.

“It is still safe to visit your doctor’s office, pharmacy, local walk-in clinic or grocery store to get your flu vaccine,” said Dr. Levine. “The vaccine process is quick, easy and helps protect not only yourself, but anyone you may come into contact with this flu season. We recommend doing so before flu activity begins in your community, ideally before the end of October.”

Seasonal influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness, caused by the influenza virus. It attacks the nose, throat and lungs and may include the following symptoms:

  • Fever;
  • Headache;
  • Tiredness;
  • Dry cough;
  • Sore throat;
  • Nasal congestion; and
  • Body aches.

Similarly, COVID-19 symptoms include:

  • Fever;
  • Cough;
  • Shortness of breath;
  • Diarrhea;
  • Chills;
  • Repeated shaking with chills;
  • Muscle pain;
  • Headache;
  • Sore throat; and
  • New loss of taste or smell.

Since symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 may be similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. The best way to prevent respiratory illness at this time is to get the flu vaccine. It takes about two weeks for the antibodies from the vaccine to develop protection against infection. This small but powerful action will protect your family, friends and frontline health care workers who will be caring for sick people with respiratory illnesses this fall and winter.

In addition to getting vaccinated, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to practice healthy habits like covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, frequently washing your hands during flu season and remembering to disinfect commonly-touched objects, such as door knobs, light switches, countertops, cell phones and computers.

If you do become sick with the flu, it is important to stay home and rest. If you are at risk for developing serious complications from the flu, or feel extremely ill, you should see a medical professional immediately.

Additional information on how to stay healthy and prevent the flu can be found on the Department of Health’s website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Nate Wardle, ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov

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GIFA 20-05 Pregnancy Support Service

DDAP is accepting applications for providers who will provide pregnancy support services or make referrals to address the needs of pregnant and postpartum women with stimulant or opioid misuse issues. In addition, these community providers will facilitate or make referrals for outpatient Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and stimulant misuse treatment.

Applications shall be submitted via email through Friday, October 30, 2020 by 12:00 PM.

FIA 20-04 Police Diversion to Treatment

DDAP is accepting applications from SCAs who shall expand or create a collaborative between local law enforcement, treatment professionals and recovery support providers to establish a diversion program. Active and engaged relationships with the local District Attorney, identified local police departments, Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) treatment providers, Stimulant Use Disorder treatment providers, and Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS) shall be foundational to such an initiative. Rather than experiencing legal consequences from stimulant or opioid misuse issues, individuals shall receive treatment and support services for the underlying cause of the arrest.

Applications shall be submitted via email through Friday, October 23, 2020 by 12:00 PM.

 

For more information about funding opportunities visit our website.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2020

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Aging today reminded consumers that the annual open enrollment period for Medicare beneficiaries will begin Thursday, October 15, 2020, and end Monday, December 7, 2020. Any new coverage selected takes effect January 1, 2021.

During open enrollment, new Medicare beneficiaries can sign up for Medicare Prescription Drug coverage and health plans to complement Medicare, and current Medicare beneficiaries can review and join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Coverage so that it better meets their needs.

In order to help Medicare beneficiaries sort through their options, the Department of Aging offers free, objective health benefits counseling through the APPRISE Program, which is designed to counsel and encourage Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers to make informed health care coverage decisions. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, counseling sessions will be conducted over the phone, virtually, or, at the discretion of the Area Agencies on Aging, face-to-face with proper health and safety precautions in place.

“Navigating any kind of health care option can be confusing, tedious and overwhelming. Whether an older adult is a new Medicare beneficiary or interested in learning all their coverage options, we encourage all seniors to take advantage of the free independent counseling services available through APPRISE,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. “The trained APPRISE counselors can guide beneficiaries through their choices and help them be more informed and confident in deciding what may be the best option for them.”

With almost 800 trained counselors in the commonwealth, the APPRISE Program provides free, confidential, objective, and easy-to-understand information about Medicare Advantage Plans, prescription drug plans, and Medicare Supplement plans, and allows Medicare beneficiaries to compare plans and determine what best meets their needs. In 2019, 148,423 of the commonwealth’s 2.7 million Medicare beneficiaries were advised by APPRISE counselors.

Many APPRISE volunteer counselors started off as Medicare beneficiaries with questions or concerns about their coverage who, after receiving assistance through APPRISE, wanted to learn more about how they could share that knowledge with others. APPRISE volunteer counselors receive free training about Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Medicare prescription drug coverage, appeals, fraud, abuse, and more.

To learn more about the APPRISE Program or becoming a volunteer, click here or to find an open enrollment event in your area call the APPRISE Helpline at 1-800-783-7067.

Medicare beneficiaries can also complete their own plan comparisons by using the Medicare plan finder tool or calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jack Eilber, 717-214-7510, agingcomms@pa.gov

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On Saturday, October 3, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin its final rule regarding overtime pay under the Minimum Wage Act. The entire rule can be found on the Pennsylvania Bulletin’s website. The new rule will be effective January 1, 2021.

The highlights of L&I’s final rule are as follows:

  • Raises the salary threshold.
  • Automatic increases in 2021, 2022 and 2023 and every three years thereafter (i.e. after 2023 the next increase will occur in 2026).
  • The employee still must meet both the salary test and the duties test to qualify as exempt.

If you recall, the Federal Department of Labor published its final rule on Friday, September 27, 2019.  The Federal rule:

  • raises the salary threshold from the current $23,660 ($455/week) to $35,568 ($684/week);
  • was effective January 1, 2020;
  • includes no automatic updates or changes to the duties test; and
  • allow nondiscretionary bonuses, incentive payments, and commissions to satisfy up to 10 percent of the salary requirement.

RCPA is continuing to work with the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and others to work on other options to counter the Governor’s new rule. RCPA and its coalition members are disappointed that the Governor has taken this step during the pandemic when health and human service providers and businesses are struggling to keep their doors open.

Questions, please contact Jack Phillips, RCPA’s Director of Government Affairs.

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