HARRISBURG, PA — On Monday, November 17, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved H.B. 1894, legislation aimed at enhancing the educational efforts of long-term care options.

 This bill was introduced by Reps. Maureen Madden and Steven Mentzer, the majority and minority chairs of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, respectively.

 The PA LIFE program, or Living Independence for the Elderly, is a program aimed at older Pennsylvanians who require assistance, but wish to remain in their homes. However, Madden said the LIFE program has remained underutilized due to a lack of public awareness among Pennsylvanians. This legislation aims to bridge the gap by making sure that clear, accessible information about the program is shared with eligible individuals 55 or older seeking in-home alternatives to nursing home care.

 “By doing this, we empower Pennsylvanians to make informed choices about their long-term care,” said Madden. “Choices that support their independence, preserve their dignity, and enhance the quality of their lives. The LIFE program provides medical assistance, it builds a community, it feeds our seniors, it gives them company, it attends to all their medical needs; they can exercise, they have a better quality of life.”

 The bill passed unanimously and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.