Lebanon County approves increases to Elder Care East and Meals on Wheels contracts

Adrienne Leiser, administrator for the Lebanon County Office of Aging, told commissioners the county approved two contract amendments: an amendment to the Elder Care East contract raising its FY2025-26 budget from $71,328 to $93,445 (a $22,117 increase) and a 3.9% increase to the contract with the Nutrition Group, the county's Meals on Wheels provider, which adds $5,844 for FY2026-27.

Leiser said the Elder Care East increase reflects additional days of service for existing consumers and indicated the funds would be absorbed within the Office of Aging's existing allocations. "The budget of 71,328 was increased to 93,445, which is a 22,117 dollar increase," Leiser said.

Commissioners asked whether the Nutrition Group increase was routine or tied to the consumer price index. A clerk asked, "Do they typically get a 2 and a half every year or is it tied to the CPI every year?" Leiser said providers may request increases based on CPI and that state guidance allows up to 4.5% for contracted providers; the county approved a 3.9% increase, below the state maximum. "With it being a 3.9% increase, it's not up to the full amount of what we could end up increasing their rate to," Leiser said.

The board moved, seconded and approved both contract amendments.

The Office of Aging presentation also included routine follow-up on contract administration and budget sources; Leiser identified CPI and higher food and fuel costs as drivers for the request.