We provide administrative and management services for our affiliates while also coordinating additional programming to assist older adults and disabled residents with essential resources, services, education, and advocacy.
Information and Referral
Finding the right social service or health system to address a person’s needs can be frustrating. Mifflin-Juniata Regional Services Corporation is dedicated to maximizing independence and helping adults to age with dignity by serving as an information and referral service for the Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging (MJAAA) and Call-A-Ride Service (CARS). In addition, our staff are also trained to make referrals to other social services and resources available in the community.
If you are an older person, an adult with a disability, or a community member concerned about a friend or family member, our staff is here to help. Staff will do a brief assessment to determine your need(s) and provide support by making an official referral to MJAAA care management staff, CARS, or other appropriate community support services.
Ombudsman Program staff and volunteers investigate and resolve complaints regarding older persons living in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, domiciliary homes, assisted living facilities, personal care homes, adult day care, and in-home long-term care services. Ombudsman representatives visit residents in these facilities to provide them with an opportunity to discuss the care that they are receiving. Ombudsman services are confidential and free. Ombudsman are trained to answer questions about billing and charges, including those covered by Medicare and Medicaid; concerns about the quality of care or treatment from a long-term care service provider; appeals regarding transfers, discharges, discontinuance, or changes in services. Ombudsmen advocate for the rights of individuals whose voice may not be heard while living in a long-term care facility.
New volunteers are always welcome. There is always a need for volunteers who are interested in being an advocate for individuals living in long-term care facilities. Training is provided for all Volunteer Ombudsmen.
To reach an Ombudsman to report a long-term living concern or to find out more information about becoming an Ombudsman Volunteer, call 717-242-0315.
LINK is a community collaboration with the goal of improving access to resources through an integrated network of LINK Partners who represent a wide variety of community-based solutions, promoting consumer-driven decision making, and improving the efficiency and quality of services. Mifflin-Juniata Regional Services Corporation leads the local community collaboration through a grant received by the Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging. The PA LINK program is a nationally supported Aging and Disability Resource Center.
In an effort to assist people in accessing more effective and efficient ways to navigate a complex system of federal, state and local services, Mifflin-Juniata Regional Services Corporation and our LINK partners are proactive in responding to a wide spectrum of needs of the elderly and adults with disabilities. LINK partners meet quarterly to promote healthy initiatives through cross training, discuss developing trends, learn more about what services are available in the community and how to access them, and to implement special projects that address needs of the elderly and adults with disabilities.
Person Centered Counseling is an extension of the LINK program. If you have two or more unmet needs and are either 60 or older and/or an adult with a disability, trained staff members can help you develop a plan for meeting your needs and put you in contact with local available services. Person Centered Counseling is free to all who are eligible. Contact our offices at 717-242-0315.
Making decisions about insurance coverage and understanding medical bills can be a challenge. PA MEDI is a free unbiased health insurance counseling program for individuals on Medicare. PA MEDI counselors are specially trained staff and volunteers who provide easy-to-understand information about Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap), Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), Medicaid, and Long-Term Care Insurance. Counselors educate you on your insurance options without trying to sell you a specific plan. Their goal is to help you understand all of your insurance options and assist you with finding one that meets your health and wellness needs. PA MEDI counselors also screen for and provide assistance with Medicare’s Cost Savings Program, along with filing Medicare appeals when needed.
New volunteers are always welcome. As a volunteer, you will receive free training about all the Medicare programs. Volunteers can choose to assist as a counselor, presenter, administrative support, or information distributor.
To schedule free counseling or to learn more about PA MEDI Volunteer Opportunities, call 717-242-0315.
Effective July 1, 2021, APPRISE is now Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight, PA MEDI – Same Program, Same Services for Pennsylvania’s Medicare Beneficiaries, now with a new name.
The Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, offers the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) to eligible Mifflin and Juniata County seniors.
Each eligible senior may receive five (5) $10.00 voucher checks for a total benefit of $50.00 ONE TIME during the program year. The checks can be redeemed for fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from approved farmers in Pennsylvania.
Distribution:
Voucher applications are available at our main office on 25 Rothermel Drive in Yeagertown, at the agency’s senior community centers, and can be downloaded HERE. The application is also available in Spanish. Instructions for submitting completed applications are listed on the form. Vouchers will be mailed to applicants on a first come, first served basis from June to September, while supplies last.
Eligibility:
To be eligible, seniors must be 60 years of age or older by December 31st of the program year. Proof of age is required to obtain vouchers. Residents of nursing homes, personal care facilities or any residential setting that offer meals are ineligible to receive the vouchers. To receive the produce vouchers, household income must not exceed yearly income guidelines.
Redeeming your checks:
The vouchers can be redeemed between June 1 and November 30 of the program year at participating farmers and farmers’ markets in Pennsylvania. Visit www.pafmnp.pa.gov to find a local market that accepts the FMNP checks. When you are at the market, look for the white FMNP signs to know which vendors will accept the checks.
What to buy:
The checks can be redeemed for fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are grown in Pennsylvania. Processed food like jams, honey, nuts, cider or baked goods, citrus, and other tropical fruits are not allowed.
Volunteers are an integral part to all we do! There are a wide variety of skills, settings, and time commitments available depending on your interests and schedule. While there is always a need for volunteers across our programs and services, the opportunities LISTED HERE may vary seasonally. Please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator by calling 717-242-0315 for more information.
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania. Appointments begin in May for those who need assistance with their Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications. Booklets for the current tax year are also available in our main office each season. If you would like to apply online now for your rebate, please visit https://mypath.pa.gov/.
We also coordinate the local branch of the Money in Your Pocket (MIYP) tax program, a community partnership led by United Way of the Capital Region that is committed to the economic stability of local families. Volunteers prepare computerized, electronic returns through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Tax Income Assistance (VITA) program, which provides low- to moderate-income working families with help completing federal and state returns, and obtaining credits for which they are eligible. The program is available February through April.