Aug. 23, 2021
HARRISBURG – Rep. Gary W. Day (R-Lehigh/Berks), majority chairman of the House Aging and Older Adults Services Committee, joined the chairs of the House Human Services, Senate Aging and Youth, and Senate Health and Human Services committees today to lead a public hearing that focused on critical state services being provided to seniors and adults with disabilities.
Specifically, the hearing examined the performance of Maximus as the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ (DHS) independent enrollment broker (IEB) for such assistance programs. The department intends to renew its contract with the Virginia-based company and increase its responsibilities.
“I am proud to see all four bipartisan committees come together for such an important matter,” said Day. “I am concerned about the decision to install another layer of bureaucracy to determine much-needed services for Pennsylvania seniors. We must continue to learn from our past and correct the mistakes that were made when DHS first contracted with Maximus in 2016. I am not sure Maximus is a benefit for seniors.”
Committee members heard testimony from a family member of an adult with a disability and several agencies from across the state that provide services to seniors. DHS and Maximus did not attend the hearing.
“Our Area Agencies on Aging are best positioned to efficiently determine and process life-saving services for our most vulnerable seniors,” continued Day. “What this comes down to is whether we are truly able to provide our seniors and those with disabilities with the level of care they deserve or not. All members of these committees are committed to protecting our seniors.”
A video recording of the hearing is available for viewing at
pahousegop.com/Video/LatestVideo.
Representative Gary Day
187th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Matthew Deegan
717.260.6328
mdeegan@pahousegop.com
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