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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Nick Kotik |
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Kotik votes for bill to help more seniors and their caregivers
HARRISBURG, Oct. 24 – State Rep. Nick Kotik, D-Allegheny, said today the state House of Representatives took a step forward in protecting the way Pennsylvania cares for its older citizens who need personal caregivers.
The House passed a bill (H.B. 1830) Tuesday that would make more caregivers eligible for financial aid and increase monthly reimbursements and the amount of one-time home modification and assistive devices grants.
“The Pennsylvania Family Caregiver Support Program has been a success in this state for more than 15 years, but it was time we took things a step farther,” said Kotik. “In addition to a lot of time and energy, caring for an older family member or any older person also takes a good deal of money and caregivers deserve this much-needed financial help.”
The Pennsylvania Family Caregiver Support Program served as a model for a similar program at the federal level. However, the federal guidelines allow non-relative caregivers to receive financial assistance and do not require a caregiver to live with the care recipient.
Kotik’s legislation would expand program eligibility in Pennsylvania by removing the relationship and residency requirements. The bill would also increase monthly reimbursements from $200 to $500 and one-time grants from $2,000 to $6,000. This change would not have any impact on the state budget because the state Department of Aging would run the program within existing state appropriations.
“I am strongly urging the state Senate to pass this bill so it can go the governor’s desk and hopefully become law,” Kotik said. “This is a win-win for the people being cared for who chose to stay within the comfort of their own homes, as well as for the caregivers, whether they are relatives or not, who would now qualify for financial help.”
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CONTACT: Stephany Dugan |