As a leader in helping older Pennsylvanians, I wanted to make you aware of legislative action regarding issues affecting senior citizens.

As a leader in helping older Pennsylvanians, I wanted to make you aware of legislative action regarding issues affecting senior citizens.

Alzheimer Legislation Signed into Law
After two years of dedicated work, legislation to advance support for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) has been signed into law (Act 111).

The legislation, Senate Bill 840, will significantly improve Pennsylvania’s response to the growing ADRD crisis by establishing a permanent ADRD Division and an ADRD Advisory Committee within the Department of Aging. The entities will collaborate to bring stakeholders together, advocate for effective policies and secure federal funding.

Pennsylvania’s approach lacks the necessary coordination, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for comprehensive care and support. The creation of the ADRD Division and Advisory Committee will not only enhance coordination but also improve Pennsylvania’s ability to secure federal funding and implement effective policies for those affected by Alzheimer’s and related disorders.

Currently, 280,000 seniors in Pennsylvania live with Alzheimer’s, a number expected to rise to 320,000 by 2025. In 2020, the state spent nearly $3.7 billion on Medicaid costs for Alzheimer’s care, with projections indicating more than a 10% increase in the coming years.

PA Senate Approves Bill to Protect Seniors from Financial Exploitation
The state Senate approved a bill that would help protect Pennsylvania senior citizens from financial exploitation. Financial exploitation is the fastest growing form of elder abuse in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 137 ensures older residents are aware of new and emerging trends used by criminals.

The legislation calls for more coordination between the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. Under his bill, the two offices would work together to provide alerts to senior citizens about financial exploitation scams. It would require the attorney general’s office to notify the Department of Aging about any investigations or enforcement actions involving someone age 65 or older and related to the Pennsylvania Telemarketer Registration Act. The attorney general and secretary of the Department of Aging then would determine how the information should be shared publicly with older Pennsylvanians while ensuring strict adherence to confidentiality rules.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  Thank you.

Sincerely,


State Senator Tracy Pennycuick, MPA
24th District
Berks and Montgomery Counties