PENNSYLVANIA UPDATE

News for Bucks County readers

   The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the State Police and the Department of Transportation have unveiled an updated “Identity Theft Action Plan” Web site to help consumers prevent, and recover from, identity theft. The site, www.identitytheftactionplan.com, offers resources for consumers and law enforcement. A companion brochure includes a checklist allowing consumers to write down and quickly access their credit card, bank and driver’s license information. The checklist should be stored in a secure location, such as a lock box.
   ”These are vital tools that all Pennsylvanians can use to fight back against identity theft,” said Walter M. Phillips Jr., chairman of the commission. “As someone who has experienced identity theft, I understand the frustration and fear that can follow such a crime. Our combined efforts are designed to help consumers avoid identity theft and also help victims repair any damage to their identity or credit.”
   The Identity Theft Resource Center reports 30 million Americans have become victims of identity theft in the past five years. This crime has surpassed drug trafficking as the top crime in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
   ”If you suspect that you’ve been the victim of identity theft, act quickly to contact police,” said State Police Commissioner Frank E. Pawlowski. “The ID Theft Action Plan explains all the steps you should take.”
   ”The ID Theft Action Plan brochure will be available at PennDOT’s Driver License Centers, at State Police stations, and also online at www.identitytheftactionplan.com. Copies also may be obtained by contacting PCCD at 717-705-0888. For more information about PCCD, visit www.pccd.state.pa.us.
   Senior citizens who rely on prescription drugs to stay healthy may qualify for financial assistance through the state’s PACE and PACENET prescription drug assistance programs, according to Rep. Bernie O’Neill (R-Bucks).
   PACE and PACENET offer comprehensive prescription coverage to older Pennsylvanians and covers most prescription medications and some prescription supplies.
   Eligibility restrictions for PACE require that applicants be residents of Pennsylvania for at least 90 consecutive days prior to application. Additionally, applicants must be age 65 or older and have a total income for the preceding calendar year of less than $14,500 for a single person, or less than $17,700 combined for a married couple. Once enrolled in the PACE program, a benefit card will be mailed, and enrollees will be required to pay a $6 co-payment for each generic prescription medication. Brand name prescriptions require a $9 co-payment. These co-payments are made to the pharmacy at the time of purchase.
   PACENET applicants must also be residents of Pennsylvania for at least 90 consecutive days prior to application and be age 65 or older. For PACENET, applicants must have had a total income for the preceding calendar year of between $14,500 and $23,500 for a single person, or between $17,700 and $31,500 combined for a married couple.
   PACENET members who enroll in a Medicare Part D plan will pay the Part D premium directly to the plan. Depending on the Part D plan one is enrolled in, monthly premiums will range between $14.80 and $28.45. In addition, Part D cardholders will pay no more than the PACENET co-payments of $8 for each generic prescription medication and $15 for each brand name to the pharmacy at the time of purchase.
   PACENET members who do not enroll in a Part D plan will pay $28.45 each month at the pharmacy toward the cost of their medications. If this is not paid on a monthly basis, it will accumulate. In addition, the individual will pay $8 for each generic prescription medication and $15 for each brand name.
   Individuals who believe they qualify for PACE or PACENET can contact his Web site at RepONeill.com by clicking “Senior Citizen Resources” or by visiting his district offices, 755 York Road, Suite 105, Warminster, or 4695 York Road, Buckingham.
   Rep. O’Neill also reminds residents of the approaching digital television conversion. Under federal law, television stations will stop broadcasting analog signals as of Feb. 17.
   Consumers who are already subscribing to cable or satellite television or have television sets capable of reading digital signals will not need to make any changes to continue watching their favorite shows. However, a device known as a digital tuner will need to be purchased by those who depend upon rooftop antennae or rabbit ears.
   Most television sets manufactured in the last five years have built-in tuners. However, some may need to purchase a stand-alone unit. Reviewing an owner’s manual or checking with the manufacturer is a good place to find out if a set is equipped with a digital tuner.
   If a digital tuner is needed, the federal government has been supplying coupons in the amount of $40 for these purchases. However, due to high demand, new applicants will be placed on a waiting list for coupons until more funding is dedicated or previously issued coupons expire. Each household is permitted to use two coupons. Converters are already available at most major retailers.
   The change is designed to free up additional airwaves for police, fire and other emergency responders. Not only will the switch better serve the nation’s first responders, but it will also enable a better viewing experience for those watching their televisions.
   Individuals wishing to apply for converter box coupons can obtain an application from his Web site at RepONeill.com or by visiting his district offices, 755 York Road, Suite 105, Warminster, or 4695 York Road, Buckingham.