About LIFE

“Living Independence for the Elderly,” or LIFE, is a Pennsylvania program that provides comprehensive health and personal support services to seniors who wish to continue living independently in the community. In 32 other states, the LIFE program is called the Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and serves more than 80,000 seniors nationwide. For most participants who are eligible for Medicaid or dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare this means:

• No-cost comprehensive coverage: Most LIFE participants pay nothing out of pocket for LIFE program services and prescription medications
• Dedicated care coordination: An interdisciplinary care team meets at least monthly to focus on each participant’s complete health care and social support needs
• In-home support services: As directed by your care team, LIFE staff provide home-based services including meal delivery, personal assistance with bathing and dressing, light housekeeping, laundry, household chores, home accessibility modifications, and medical equipment and supplies
• Day center and transportation services: Participants can visit the LIFE day center as often as they like with free transportation to enjoy meals, receive medical care, and participate in social activities. LIFE program vans also help transport participants to medical appointments

The LIFE program is a partner for family caregivers who need support coordinating their loved one’s insurance benefits, making medical appointments, juggling full time work, and worrying whether they are doing all that they can to keep their family member safe at home. With the LIFE program in their corner, families know their loved ones have a care team to identify unmet medical and personal care needs, schedule the appointments they need, and arrange transportation and a staff member to attend along with them.

LIFE program services are the perfect complement for family members caring for seniors at home or even families who are spread across the country. Many spouses also enter the LIFE program together so they can grow old in their home surrounded by support.

• Age 55 or older
• Medically eligible to participate in a LIFE program
• Financially eligible for Medicaid or have the ability to privately pay
• Reside in an area served by a LIFE provider
• Able to be safely served in the community as determined by a LIFE provider

Most LIFE participants who are eligible for Medicaid or eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid generally pay nothing for services provided by LIFE, such as prescriptions, medical equipment and supplies, transportation, and home care. If you don’t qualify for Medicaid but you have Medicare, you’ll be charged a monthly premium to cover the non-medical portion of your care (like personal assistance at home) and a premium for Medicare Part D drugs. If you join a LIFE program, you’ll get your Part D-covered drugs and all other necessary medication from the LIFE program. You don’t need to join a separate Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. LIFE is your one-stop shop!

There’s no deductible or copayment for any drug, service, or care approved by your health care team. Participants who spend more than 30 days in a nursing facility may be responsible for some of those costs, depending on their income and family situation.

Clinical providers are available 24/7 for any urgent medical issues. They are always just a phone call away.

The LIFE program provides some services with its own employees and others through a network of providers in your community. Your LIFE program will have an in-house physician but they can also work with your own primary care doctor. Either way, the program arranges for every medical service your LIFE care team decides that you need. LIFE clinical services could include:

• Medical care: primary, preventive, behavioral, specialist, and emergency care with doctors and nurses on call 24/7
• Specialist care: vision (including glasses), dental (including dentures), podiatry, hearing (including hearing aids), and women’s health services like mammograms
• Inpatient and facility services: hospital care, skilled nursing care, rehab services, and home health care
• Therapies: physical, occupational, recreational, cognitive, and speech therapies in the center or at home
• Medications and supplies: prescriptions, medical equipment, and supplies
• Diagnostic services: medical imaging (x-rays, MRIs, CAT scans), laboratory services, and nutrition counseling

Unlike other health plans, every LIFE program has a day center located in your community staffed by LIFE doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals, and filled with your peers. These centers are places where you can:

• See your LIFE doctor or nurse
• Get your physical, occupational, speech, or cognitive therapy
• Meet with a dietitian and participate in fitness programs
• Meet with seniors like you and participate in recreational and cultural activities
• Have a hot meal tailored to your dietary needs
• Get help with a shower or laundry

Participants can have meals in the day center or at home, with support from the nutritionist on their care team. LIFE program dietitians assess each participant’s dietary needs to support chronic care conditions like diabetes and cholesterol management. In-home staff can also help you prepare meals on your own.

LIFE offers a variety of in-home services from professional home aides to home safety equipment. Aides can visit the home to assist with daily living activities including bathing, grooming, dressing, laundry, light housekeeping, and household chores to help you maintain your independence. Some participants get this help at the day center on some days and look for help at home on other days. The LIFE program can also help you add new tools to stay safe at home like grab bars and ramps, plus essential medical equipment and supplies delivered to your residence.

LIFE members receive hands-on therapy ordered by their doctor, either in the center or right in their own home. Therapists specializing in senior care assist participants with the tools and techniques needed to gain strength and independence. Many LIFE participants enjoy hitting the gym and taking fitness classes with their fellow seniors at the day center where they are supported by trained professionals.