Press Releases
Cartwright Highlights Resources for Seniors During COVID-19
Moosic, PA,
April 9, 2020
Moosic, PA – U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) today held a listening session with leaders of the Area Agencies on Aging. Agencies from Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe and Wayne Counties shared their questions, suggestions and concerns related to protecting older northeastern Pennsylvanians during the COVID-19 outbreak. “As our communities deal with the coronavirus, the health and safety of our older adults is top of mind,” said Rep. Cartwright. “Our aging agencies in northeastern Pennsylvania are doing a great job adapting to the challenges posed by this virus and meeting our seniors’ demand for meal delivery, legal services, and even exercise, while observing social distancing guidelines. Our job in Congress going forward is to ensure the agencies have the resources to keep this up for as long as they need to.” The agency representatives said that so far, they have been able to meet significantly higher demand for meal delivery services for the elderly in their areas. They also discussed remote activities such as exercise classes and legal services, and how they are checking in on senior center participants while the facilities are closed. Our focus has always been on the safety and happiness of the people we serve, and that remains true even as they stay home in order to be safe during this outbreak,” said Jason Kavulich, Director of the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging. “We are grateful for all the resources that Congress has provided for older adults during this time. Going forward, it will be important for there to be a streamlined process for us to tap into those resources.” Mary Ursich, Administrator of the Wayne County Area Agency on Aging, pointed out that she is aware that scammers are looking to trick older adults into handing over sensitive personal information, claiming that it is to ensure they receive their stimulus check. One of the things we’re concerned about are scams targeting our older residents,” said Ursich. “I’ve heard from more than a few people here who have told us that they’ve gotten calls asking for personal information so they can receive their stimulus check. We appreciate Congressman Cartwright for taking this issue seriously and recognizing the many other issues facing seniors in Wayne County.” Cartwright pointed out that government agencies will not call anyone and ask for personal information over the phone, and that the prevalence of these scams was a key reason why he introduced legislation to federally fund senior legal hotlines, ensuring that older Americans have a reliable place to turn for legal help while practicing social distancing. He also reiterated that most people — including seniors who rely on Social Security — will not have to take any extra steps in order to receive their direct cash payment of $1,200 provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Thanks to a bipartisan effort of both Democrats and Republicans, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) eliminated unnecessary requirements for older Americans and will use the information they already have on file. The three COVID-19 relief packages enacted in March include several provisions to support seniors during the COVID-19 outbreak. Nutrition Programs:
Health Care:
Housing:
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