Dear Parishioners,
My name is Chris Minnick, and I am the care manager for the Elder Care Program here at Epiphany of Our Lord Parish. The Elder Care Program was created in partnership with Catholic Housing and Community Services and is partially funded by a generous endowment.
The Elder Care Program provides free and confidential care management services to persons over 60 years of age who live within the parish boundaries. It also provides support to the older adult’s caregiver/s as well as community resource information. The overall goal of this program is to provide supportive services to older adults to help maintain and improve their quality of life.
Care management involves meeting with the care manager to complete an assessment of needs and interests. Assessments are holistic and consider the health, safety, and well-being of the whole person. Next, the care manager develops a care plan with the individual with options for meeting their needs and assists in getting those needs met. The care manager provides ongoing support thereafter ensuring that the person has the support and assistance they need whether that is on a short-term or long-term basis.
INFORMATION AND UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY:
- PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Deadline extended to December 31, 2025: Applications for 2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebates are being accepted. The filing deadline has been extended to December 31, 2025. Applications postmarked by that date will be accepted for processing. To date, funding has been available to allow all who qualify to benefit from the program. The income limit to apply has increased to $46,520 per household. For help applying, feel free to contact Chris at 267-638-8912. Medicare Part D Extra Help: The Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP) has published its updated eligibility guide for Medicare Part D Extra Help. It can be found at https://www.phlp.org/en/ resource-library. The
- Medicare Part D Extra Help Program (also called the Low-Income Subsidy or LIS) assists Medicare recipients in reducing prescription drug costs, potentially saving them thousands annually. Call Chris if you would like more information or need a hard copy of the guide!
- PACE Program: Prescription Assistance Pennsylvania’s PACE and PACENET programs help qualified residents, age 65 and up, get prescription medicine at a lower cost. These programs work with Medicare Part D and other drug plans, like those from retiree plans, employers, Medicare Advantage, and Veterans’ Benefits, to reduce the money you pay out of pocket for medicine. The programs work with local, state, and federal agencies to make sure older adults get the help they need. The PACE Application Center helps with filling out and submitting applications. Eligibility requirements: • Must be 65 years of age or older.
• Pennsylvania resident for at least 90 consecutive days.
• Cannot be receiving Medicaid prescription benefits.
• Meet income requirements based on the previous year’s gross income. For more information, go to https:// pacecares.primetherapeutics.com/, or call 1-800-225-7223.Reminder: Reduce electricity costs with PECO’s CAP (Customer Assistance Program) PECO’s CAP helps residents afford their electricity bills. PECO customers are eligible for CAP if the monthly household income for all adults is 150% of or below the Federal Poverty Line (FPL). For example, monthly income household size of 1: $1,956, household size of 2: $2,644. You may apply online at www.PECO.com/help. Call Chris if you need an application form or assistance. As always, for questions on any federal, state, or private resources and programs for older adults, feel free to contact me at (267) 638-8912.
If you are interested in getting support from the Elder Care Program, please contact Chris Minnick, Care Manager at 267-807-1455.