I am introducing a resolution that recognizes the month of September as Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) Month.
 
In 1998, Pennsylvania became one of the first states to implement an innovative and cost-effective way to allow more individuals to age in their homes. This is the LIFE program, which is Pennsylvania’s version of the federal Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Under the LIFE program, Medicaid-eligible individuals who would otherwise be living in nursing homes can now age in their own homes.
 
The LIFE program achieves this by carefully coordinating medical, social and supportive services for older Pennsylvanians. Its community-based program centers and interdisciplinary teams deliver vital services to residents in their communities. There are now more than 50 LIFE centers in 54 of the Commonwealth’s counties. They serve over 8,000 older adults.
 
Studies have shown that older adults overwhelmingly prefer to age in their own homes. The LIFE program, in return for capitalized payments from Medicare and Medicaid, helps control costs for the Commonwealth, while allowing more of our older adults to live in their preferred setting.
 
Please join me in sponsoring this resolution.