Area Agency on Aging
News and Upcoming Events
Code Blue Information
That chilly time of year! is upon us. BRRRR!!!
Here is some Code Blue information to have handy as the chill becomes bitterly cold:
- For Lower, Central and Upper bucks: www.buckshousinglink.org/need-help/
- Upper Bucks Code Blue (www.facebook.com/UpperBucksCodeBlue), posts:...
Upper Bucks Code Blue emergency shelter on the first floor of the Quakertown Masonic Lodge (501 W. Broad St. in Quakertown) will be OPEN Wednesday night, Nov. 29, with our doors opening at 8:30 PM, but CLOSED Thursday night, Nov. - CSSH they start their Code Blue on Dec 1 and once they are fully staffed
- Lower Bucks AHTN Code Blue runs 12/3 to 3/31 and if fully staffed, as per the website.
LIHEAP (Low-Income Heating Assistance Program)
The 2023-2024 LIHEAP season is open!
The 2022-2023 LIHEAP season is closed.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. Remember: This is a grant and does not have to be repaid.
See if you qualify for benefits here
Apply through the local County Assistance Office:
1214 Veterans Highway
Bristol, PA 19007-2593
Phone: 215-781-3300 or 1-800-362-1291
Fax: 215-781-3438
E-mail: [email protected]
Customer Service Center: 1-877-395-8930
Apply online through COMPASS.
Apply by paper application and return to County Assistance Office.
LIHEAP Hotline: 1-866-857-7095
LIHEAP Crisis: 215-781-3393
- [email protected] 267-377-9179
2023 marks Bucks County Area Agency on Aging's 50th Anniversary!
Video in honor of BCAAA's 50 years of service to the community.
Medicare
Get help from PA MEDI by calling 267-880-5700. Their highly trained counselors will help you to understand your benefits and provide you with free, unbiased information regarding plans for the upcoming year.
Don't Lose your Medicaid!
Earlier this year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania returned to following pre-pandemic guidelines for renewing Medicaid (also known as Medical Assistance) and has reached out to current beneficiaries urging individuals to submit the renewal forms and provide documentation to support their eligibility for Medicaid. Tips to keep your Medicaid Coverage:
- Make sure your address and phone number are up to date with your Medicaid plan. Call the Customer Service Center to check: 1-877-395-8930.
- Check your mail for a renewal form, fill it out and return it. It is very important to complete your renewal form on time. You can also renew by logging on to COMPASS: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/compass.web/Public/CMPHome
- Complete the renewal even if you think you are no longer eligible. This may help you avoid a gap in coverage or care.
- If you receive notice that your Medicaid will end and feel it is not correct, file an appeal to prevent a gap in your Medicaid coverage. You may also reapply for Medicaid at any time.
For more tips and information, read more here: Medicaid Changes
Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program has expanded
Governor Joshua Shapiro signed HB1100 into Law in August 2023, drastically expanding the program. The new law raises the maximum tax rebate from $650 to $1,000; further the income cap for renters and homeowners cap was raised to $45,000 annually, with an outyear tie to cost of living increases. Prior to the new legislation, the income cap for homeowners was $35,000 and $15,000 for renters.
Beginning in mid-January 2024, the PA Department of Revenue will open the filing period for eligible applicants to submit applications on property taxes and rent paid in 2023.
To learn more, we encourage you to visit the Dept. of Revenue's website at: Expansion to Program
Fraud Alert: End of PHE Scam!
There is a new scam charging people $500 to renew their benefits now that the Public Health Emergency is ending. There is never a cost to apply for or renew Medical Assistance benefits.
Fraud Alert: Scam Calls Targeting Older Adults!
There is a recent increase in reports of government imposter scam calls, including some claiming to be from Eldercare Locator. Follow this link to the ACL (Administration for Community Living) Announcement for more details. At the very least, here are some important reminders to keep in mind and share with others:
- The government will never call out of the blue and ask for a Social Security number.
- The government will never ask for payment by gift card or wire transfer.
- Social Security numbers cannot be suspended.
Home Share Program
The Ivins Outreach Center, in partnership with the Bucks County Area Agency on Agency is very excited to announce a new program, HOME SHARE, that will be launched in Spring 2023. HOME SHARE an affordable housing choice that brings together a homeowner (provider) who has a room to spare and a person (seeker) who is looking for a place to live. The provider and seeker each have a private bedroom, but both have full use of the rest of the provider’s home. There are many benefits derived from such a housing strategy and there are many types of participants – for example, senior citizens, working professionals, students, individuals who cannot find affordable housing, single parents, or have reduced income because of
a loss of full-time work – or those who simply want to share their lives and home with others. If you are interested in learning more about Home Share, in sharing your home with another or seeking to share someone’s home, please contact the Ivins Outreach Center Home Share Counselor at 215-428-0500.
• The AAA offers a variety of programs to help older adults remain independent at home. These services may be available for those who qualify.
For more information, contact the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging at 267-880-5700, and ask for the Information and Referral Department.
Report Elder Abuse
To report elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation or abandonment, call our 24 hour hotline: 1-800-243-3767.
Bucks County Area Agency on Aging: 50th Anniversary!
Video in honor of BCAAA's 50 years of service to the community.