The month of May has been deemed Older Americans Month and, as a result, a host of possible senior-related topics could be up for discussion.  However, you can make the argument that no issue right now is more urgent than ensuring the recently enacted reforms to our health care system are implemented in a way that protects and promotes the health and well-being of older Americans.

Seniors in Sunbury, PA today heard for the first time what the new health care law will mean for them. Two forums were held in assisted living facilities and they were organized not by PHAN staff, but by one of our ambitious volunteer leaders, Lana with the support of another PHAN activist, Rodger. Lana set the date, contacted the facilities, posted flyers and let the local newspaper know we would be there today. Thanks to her initiative and leadership more seniors in central PA...

More than 40,000 Pennsylvanians were enrolled in the state’s adultBasic health insurance program, while 384,144 people remained on the waiting list for the program, as of April 2010.

To give you a picture of where these people live, PHAN, with help from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project and the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, has put together the following maps showing enrollment and waiting list numbers by county. We will update these maps on a monthly basis.

I've been getting a lot of requests for more information on the new federal law, especially from friends in Central PA, where they're bombarded on all sides by misinformation. As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services works on figuring out how to implement the changes - a process that's already well underway - they will be putting details out on their website.

But that may take a while.

AdultBasic, an affordable health insurance program for low-income Pennsylvanians is in jeopardy!

If the program dies, it means 40,000 Pennsylvanians will lose their health insurance. After all the work we did this year to expand access to affordable, quality health care, we can't let that happen.

Take action with us on Tuesday, May 4th at the State Capitol, Harrisburg. Contact Athena for more information, aford@philaup....

Nearly 40,000 Pennsylvanians were enrolled in the state ’s adultBasic program as of March 2010. Historically, the program has provided an affordable insurance option for as many as 90,000 individuals annually. It is a critical safety net for working individuals who are unable to obtain – or to pay for – employment-based or individual coverage.

Here's a look at how many people by county are enrolled in the program. (Click on the image to view it as a PDF.)

With the enactment of comprehensive health care reform this week, we have taken a great step forward as a nation, ensuring that all Americans will enjoy more security and stability in their health coverage.

Pennsylvanians who have health coverage will keep their doctors but no longer have to worry about being denied care for a pre-existing condition or being dropped by an insurer when they get sick.

Tax credits and other assistance will make health insurance more affordable...