Milestones 11
SEPTEMBER 2021
Caregiver reimbursement caps lifted for first time in nearly 30 years By Shannon Reyes Each year, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP) serves hundreds of caregivers of older adults and adults with disabilities, as well as relative caregivers of children. CSP provides education, assistance with planning, and financial reimbursement for expenses related to caregiving. Yet, as the need for caregiver financial assistance continues to rise, limits to how much CSPs in Pennsylvania could reimburse any one caregiver remained stagnant since 1993. That was until June 2021, when House Bill 464 (Act 20 of 2021) was signed into law aligning state CSPs with the national CSP, as defined through the Older Americans Act, and also giving the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) authority to lift the monthly and lifetime housing reimbursement limits for participants.
“Financial reimbursements are so important, especially in helping caregivers manage the needs of their loved one’s care in the community as an alternative to nursing home placement,” says PCA director of CSP Cheryl Clark. Reimbursements also “provide funds to hire a respite worker to give caregivers a break and relief from their responsibilities, which is so often needed.” Prior to the bill, monthly reimbursements for CSP participants were capped between $200-$500 with a lifetime housing reimbursement limit of $2,000. Last month, PDA passed down guidance that will allow CSPs to now provide up to $600 in monthly reimbursements with a lifetime housing reimbursement cap at $5,000. Clark says the legislation came at a very needed time, as the effects of the pandemic have continued to contribute to the financial burden on caregivers, es-
iStock
pecially as many are often left to choose between caregiving and employment. “Many [caregivers] may be forced to leave work early or go part time to care, limiting access to financial resources,” Clark says. “Increasing reimbursement amounts will allow caregivers to hire extra help when needed and minimize oth-
er expenses, such purchasing supplies or paying for adult day centers, lessening the financial impact.” Through PCA’s program, financial assistance is available to caregivers of older adults and individuals with disabilities to reimburse them for caregiving services Continued on page 13
FREE INFORMATION REQUEST FORM
3
£ Please provide
me with Free Information about Colonial Penn’s Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life Insurance and the FREE planning guide.
Worried about final expenses?
Take a look at this easy, budget-friendly plan: YOURS FREE!
3Guaranteed acceptance* 3Locked-in rate 3Rate never increases 3Benefit never decreases 3$9.95** a month (per unit)
Act now to help ease worries and the potential financial burden on your loved ones.
Call toll-free 1-800-852-2600 Or complete and mail the form today
__________________________________________________________
Address City
________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________
State ___________________________
Zip ___________________________
Phone
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
£ Male £ Female
Date of Birth _________ /_________ /_________
I understand a sales representative or agent may call me at the number above, even if my number is on the federal “do not call” list. Signature
#
Call today to find out more about this plan and we’ll send you this valuable planning guide.
Name
_______________________________________________________
Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company 399 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19181
*Limited benefit 1st 2 years. Available to ages 50-85 in most states. In NY, to ages 50-75. **Contact us for details on rates, benefits, limitations & exclusions. Colonial Penn Life Insurance Co (399 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19181) is licensed in 49 states, DC, VI, PR. Colonial Penn Life Ins Co is not licensed in and does not solicit business in the state of NY. NY residents will receive info from Bankers Conseco Life Insurance Co, licensed only in NY (Home Ofc: 350 Jericho Tpk, Jericho, NY 11753). This describes coverage currently available, but is not a contract. An insurance agent may contact you. Grp Policy Form #12-82-043 or Individual form Series 12-82045, 15-82-020 or ICC15-045. Free gift not available in MA. CA Residents: We collect personal information from you in order to offer products, services, and information we think will be of interest to you. As a California consumer you have the right to opt out of the sale of your information. Please see colonialpenn.com/privacy to learn more about the information we collect, how we use it, and exercising your rights.