Dear Teresa,
Thank you for writing. I was thrilled to hear from you about this topic that I raised with AARP.
You probably don't recall, but you and I have met before - three weeks after my husband's death in May 2018, when I attended the Alzheimers Awareness Day in Harrisburg, when you were Secretary of the Dept. of Aging. I brought up this subject (lack of Medicaid payments for dementia care) at the meeting when all the attendees were present. You acknowledged at that time - as did many other attendees - that this is a serious issue for families with dementia patients in dementia care facilities. I was there that day with a staff member from Sen. Daylin Leach's office, and with a friend who works for Upper Merion Township.
I got some help and support for this subject from Madeline Dean and her staff - one staff member started to look into the economic effects of changing the law and was working with the Appropriations Committee, I believe. Unfortunately for this topic - Madeline is now in Washington and no longer a member of the PA state legislature. I do see her from time to time, though, and plan to contact her about this again.
My local state senator, Daylin Leach, is also no longer a PA state senator. He's been replaced by Amanda Cappellitti. Tim Briggs is my local state rep.
Neither Daylin nor Tim seemed interested in taking up this cause at the time - but I plan to revisit this issue with Tim, and to bring it up with Amanda.
I am still working full time, but planning to retire by the end of February 2021. I will be able to devote more time and energy to this cause.
I am still a township supervisor in Upper Merion (King of Prussia), and we have been kept extremely busy the past two years with all kinds of local challenges, not the least of which is Covid and its collateral damage. I was informed today of 3 deaths in Upper Merion in just the past 2 days. I have 3 years to go in this, my second term.
Since I currently work during the day - 9 to 6 - the best time to talk would be an evening that I don't have a township meeting - unless you would be available to chat this Thursday afternoon. I get off work early for the holiday at 1pm. Please let me know what would work best for you.
My cell number is best to reach me: 610.812.9983
I look forward to discussing this issue with you, and am so happy to know that you are still involved with aging issues in Pennsylvania!
Stay safe and well also~
Kind regards,
Carole
-----Original Message-----
From: Osborne, Teresa <tosborne@aarp.org>
To: captcarole@aol.com <captcarole@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Dec 29, 2020 2:15 pm
Subject: AARP Pennsylvania Contact
Teresa Osborne | Advocacy and Outreach Manager
From: Osborne, Teresa <tosborne@aarp.org>
To: captcarole@aol.com <captcarole@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Dec 29, 2020 2:15 pm
Subject: AARP Pennsylvania Contact
Ms. Kenney:
My name is Teresa Osborne. I serve as the Manager for Advocacy & Outreach for the AARP Pennsylvania State Office .. leading our legislative and policy priorities in the Commonwealth.
Please know that the AARP Consumer Care office shared with me your concern about Medical Assistance not covering assisted living/personal care residences in Pennsylvania.
From a family member perspective .. your frustration is shared; and from state advocacy standpoint, as a new legislative year is on the horizon, I welcome the opportunity to connect with you on this important matter.
My phone number is: 717-237-6482. Please connect at your convenience or let me know a time that is good for your to arrange a conversation.
Looking forward to connecting with you .. in the meantime .. please keep safe and well.
~ Teresa
30 North 3rd Street | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
Follow me on Twitter: @TOsborne622
