FAQ

Participating in Albright LIFE is easy. Below are a number of frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions regarding Albright LIFE, please call  (570) 322-5433 or 1-866-907-5433.

Question:

Who is eligible for Albright LIFE?

Answer:

Individuals who are:

• At least 60 years of age
• Living in the service area
• Able to live safely in the community with services from LIFE, as determined by the LIFE care team
• Determined to meet the clinical nursing home criteria by the Area Agency on Aging

Question:

Is it difficult to enroll in Albright LIFE? 

Answer:

The Albright LIFE Intake and Enrollment staff will assist you through the enrollment process. This process includes a home visit by our assessment team, a clinical assessment by the Area Agency on Aging, and a pre-admission visit to our center to meet our care team. Call the LIFE Center and ask to speak with our Intake and Enrollment coordinator so that we can help you every step of the way.

Question:

Can LIFE help me with the financial eligibility process?

Answer:

If you are clinically eligible for the LIFE program, you may also be eligible for special Medicare and Medicaid benefits that would pay for your participation in the LIFE program. Our Intake and Enrollment staff can help you understand: 1) how Medicaid can help; 2) how to utilize long term care insurance; or, 3) how to participate in LIFE by paying a monthly premium.

Question:

What if I need to see a dentist or other medical specialist?

Answer:

Our care team may recommend that you see a specialist. Albright LIFE has contracts with medical specialists in our service area. If necessary we will make a formal referral to the specialist, schedule your appointment, assure that you have transportation to and from the appointment, and follow up with the specialist to be sure that his/her recommendations for your care are incorporated into your LIFE care plan.

Question:

What if I have a medical emergency?

Answer:

Participants are encouraged to call our 24-hour on-call nurse for non-emergency situations. The on-call nurse helps decide when treatment is needed and what kind of treatment might be most appropriate. In an immediate emergency situation, participants are encouraged to dial 911 or go to the emergency room.

Question:

Can I live at Albright LIFE?

Answer:

No. Albright LIFE does not offer living accommodations. All participants in the LIFE program live in the community, with the support of LIFE services. If nursing facility care is needed, either short-term or long-term, that is also a covered service for LIFE participants.

Question:

Can I keep my family doctor?

Answer:

Upon enrollment in the LIFE program, the LIFE physician becomes the participant’s primary care physician. Your physician will share your medical records with the LIFE Care Health Team. That information will be used by the LIFE team to develop your LIFE care plan.

Question:

What happens if I can no longer remain in my home after joining Albright LIFE and need to move to a nursing facility?

Answer:

If you enroll in the Albright LIFE program, we hope that you will participate in the program for the rest of your life. If you are not able to stay in your home for some reason, the LIFE Care Team will help you explore your options. If nursing home care is needed, we will assist you with the admission arrangements, and continue to participate in your care planning.

Question:

What is PACE?

Answer:

Albright LIFE is Pennsylvania’s version of the nationally recognized Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Often referred to as a “one-stop shop” alternative to managing the care of the frail elderly, this unique program combines Medicare and Medicaid funds to provide comprehensive medical, health and social services that enable participants to remain at home as independently as possible for as long as desirable and feasible.