View this email in a browser

On the Horizon…

Senator Yaw to Unveil Legislation Regulating Video Skill Games in the Commonwealth.

In Other News

Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority Approves Guidelines for $200 Million Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program, Will Begin Accepting Applications in May.

Sen. Yaw Announces Opening of DEP Growing Greener Grant Program Friday, April 21.

Union County receives $773,000 in opioid settlements funds.

The Union-Snyder Agency on Aging will sponsor a “Medicare 101”presentation for people who are new to Medicare. This free community workshop starts at 10 AM on April 20th at the Gelnett Memorial Library on High Street in Selinsgrove.

Out and About

I was able to get to know some terrific students at Montgomery Area School District during their recent Career Day program. As I told them, I don’t believe in luck. I believe “luck” is when skill meets opportunity.  I also stressed that it was important for them to get as good of an education as possible, to pay attention in school, and to develop as many skills as possible. That doesn’t always mean getting a college degree.

Great to join the West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association for the kick-off of the 2023 Home Show in Muncy Township.

Lycoming County has announced the establishment of a comprehensive, primary care health center, dedicated to employees covered by its health plan, known as “Partnership Health Center” or “PHC”. At PHC, County employees and their covered dependents will receive primary care with same-day appointments and health plan care coordination—without co-pays for the visit. Services include doctor visits, lab work, X-ray, prescriptions, behavioral health, physical therapy and an onsite “Member Advocate” to troubleshoot benefit coverage problems and health plan claim issues.

Treasury’s Transparency Portal Now Shows Additional Data

Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced a new feature on Treasury’s Transparency Portal that gives the public easy access to county- and state-level data about Pennsylvania’s unclaimed property program, the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program, Keystone Scholars and the PA ABLE Savings Program.

The new feature includes four interactive maps displaying data for unclaimed property, PA 529, Keystone Scholars and PA ABLE. Users can now see county-by-county details such as: 

• How much unclaimed property is available;
• How much unclaimed property has been returned since Jan. 1, 2021;
• The number of open PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts;
• Total assets in PA 529 and PA ABLE; and
• The number of registered Keystone Scholars accounts.

Statewide data is also available, and the data will be updated quarterly. Information about all of Treasury’s consumer programs can be found here.

Complete an Annual Renewal to Maintain Insurance Coverage

All Medical Assistance (MA) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) recipients must complete an annual renewal to keep coverage. Pennie, Pennsylvania’s state-affiliated health insurance marketplace, offers financial assistance to lower the cost of health and dental coverage. It can help ensure continuous coverage for Pennsylvanians who have lost or are losing MA benefits.

Approximately 30-45 days before Medicaid recipients’ renewal date, they will receive their renewal packet in the mail. This must be completed and returned as soon as possible. They can also complete their renewal online via COMPASS or over the phone.

People who are no longer eligible for Medicaid may have options for coverage available through Pennie and CHIP.

Communicate with Your Utility Companies to Avoid Disconnection

As the annual winter termination moratorium effectively ended on Monday, it is more important than ever for consumers with high or past-due balances on their utility bills to call their provider to discuss options to remain connected.

Utilities are reaching out to customers who are at risk of utility shutoffs and sending bill reminders, letters, termination notices and Public Utility Commission (PUC)-approved shutoff forms. If a customer’s service is shut off, the utility must provide a notice indicating why the service was shut off and what steps the customer can take to restore service. 

Utilities can help enroll consumers in assistance programs, guide them to other available resources and discuss new payment plan options to address overdue balances. If a consumer is unable to resolve an issue or obtain needed information from the utility, they may contact the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services toll free at 1-800-692-7380. 

New Military Themed License Plates Now Available

Because of legislation passed by the General Assembly, new military themed license plates will be available throughout the commonwealth. Two of these new plates – the Air Medal license plate and the Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans license plate – recognize veterans’ special contributions during their service. The third is the Blue Star Family license plate for family members of an active-duty, Reserve or National Guard service member.

All three are available for passenger cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds for a fee of $23.

More information, including eligibility requirements and images of license plates, is available here.

Happy Easter and Passover to You and Your Family

This week, we celebrate two holy holidays: Easter and Passover. No matter what or how you celebrate, may you and your family enjoy happy, heartwarming time together. Warmest wishes for many blessings.

2024 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorgeneyaw.com | Privacy Policy