Committee advances bill requiring clearer materials, attestation for LIFE program enrolment
October 07, 2025 | Aging & Older Adult Services, House of Representatives, Legislative, Pennsylvania
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee unanimously reported House Bill 1894 on Feb. 1, requiring enrollment materials and correspondence for long-term care services to include a frequently asked questions list, a comparison of Community HealthChoices and LIFE program services, contact information for assigned LIFE providers, and a signed attestation from the eligible individual acknowledging understanding of the options.
Committee staff told members the bill amends section 602 of the Human Services Code to require the independent enrollment broker’s materials for older adults to include information developed with input from LIFE providers and a comparison that clarifies program benefits and contact details by area of residence. The legislation’s intent, sponsors said, is to ensure seniors are informed of the LIFE program so they do not default into a Community HealthChoices plan without understanding alternatives.
Representative Menser described LIFE programs as a long-standing option that can allow older adults who need assistance to remain connected to medical care, meals and socialization while avoiding more expensive institutional care. “This bill will not solve all of the problems,” Menser said, “but it’s a step in the right direction.” Chair Madden said she supported the bill and urged the committee to require an attestation form so eligible individuals have documented confirmation that they were informed about LIFE.
Committee members asked whether materials would be offered in multiple languages. Committee staff said materials are offered in Spanish and that they would check about other languages. The bill’s reported supporters include LeadingAgePA, the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association, AARP Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Health Care Association; the Center for the Advocacy for the Rights and Interest of Elders and the Pennsylvania Health Law Project filed late comments expressing concerns.
The committee reported the bill to the full House by unanimous voice/roll-call vote.
Next steps: the bill proceeds to the full House. Committee sponsors said they will address any remaining implementation details with the Department of Human Services and the independent enrollment broker.
Committee staff told members the bill amends section 602 of the Human Services Code to require the independent enrollment broker’s materials for older adults to include information developed with input from LIFE providers and a comparison that clarifies program benefits and contact details by area of residence. The legislation’s intent, sponsors said, is to ensure seniors are informed of the LIFE program so they do not default into a Community HealthChoices plan without understanding alternatives.
Representative Menser described LIFE programs as a long-standing option that can allow older adults who need assistance to remain connected to medical care, meals and socialization while avoiding more expensive institutional care. “This bill will not solve all of the problems,” Menser said, “but it’s a step in the right direction.” Chair Madden said she supported the bill and urged the committee to require an attestation form so eligible individuals have documented confirmation that they were informed about LIFE.
Committee members asked whether materials would be offered in multiple languages. Committee staff said materials are offered in Spanish and that they would check about other languages. The bill’s reported supporters include LeadingAgePA, the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association, AARP Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Health Care Association; the Center for the Advocacy for the Rights and Interest of Elders and the Pennsylvania Health Law Project filed late comments expressing concerns.
The committee reported the bill to the full House by unanimous voice/roll-call vote.
Next steps: the bill proceeds to the full House. Committee sponsors said they will address any remaining implementation details with the Department of Human Services and the independent enrollment broker.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meeting