Erie, PA – Pennsylvania State Senators Wayne Langerholc, Jr. and Scott Hutchinson and State Representatives Dallas Kephart, Pat Harkins, Robert Merski, and Parke Wentling recently joined LIFE-NWPA to tour its centers in Clearfield, Erie, Mercer, and Warren.
During the visits, lawmakers learned about the role that the Living Independence For the Elderly (LIFE) program, known nationally as the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), plays in reducing healthcare costs and boosting health outcomes for older adults in Pennsylvania.
LIFE allows participants to age in their own homes and communities with the medical and support services they need. Through LIFE, each participant is cared for by an interdisciplinary team (IDT) comprised of physicians, physical and occupational therapists, dieticians, care specialists, and more. Participants also have access to a wide spectrum of in-center and at-home services tailored to produce positive health outcomes, identify health risks, prevent health crises, and reduce healthcare costs.
“Thank you to all the lawmakers who visited our centers to see firsthand the care that we provide for participants at LIFE-NWPA to help our community members age with dignity,” said Robert McQuillan, Vice President of Operations at One Senior Care, a partner to LIFE-NWPA. “We always appreciate the opportunity to engage with our legislators and showcase the high-quality care we provide.”
During the center visits, leaders specifically highlighted the need to advance reforms that would allow LIFE providers to conduct their own Functional Eligibility Determinations (FEDs) as part of the enrollment process. Currently, LIFE providers rely on the state’s FED process, which can create delays that increase participants’ risk of a rapid decline in health or a catastrophic event.
“We commend these lawmakers for their continued support of the LIFE program,” said Marcie Campbell, Vice President of Marketing & Intake at One Senior Care. “As LIFE providers continue our work to improve health outcomes for older Pennsylvanians, we look forward to working alongside policymakers to support reforms that expand access to LIFE and expedite the enrollment process.”
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 5% of individuals in the United States account for 50% of healthcare spending. The LIFE program is specially designed to keep these complex patients out of high-cost settings like hospitals and nursing homes and instead partner with existing health providers to provide care to older adults in their homes and communities.