Merck Patient Assistance Program

The OPTIONS program provides assistance to individuals ages 60 and older who need help to remain independent in their own homes. The goal of OPTIONS is to give choices to older adults in need of community-based services so that they can function at their highest level. After an assessment is administered and reviewed with the consumer by one of the care management agencies, an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) is developed collaboratively with the consumer. The consumers preferences are considered along with service availability. When possible, services are provided to consumers with full consideration of their available informal supports, third party resources and the consumers goals.The wide ranges of services include: Personal care Adult Day Services Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) Home-delivered meals Transportation and home modification /assistive devices An assigned care manager helps OPTIONS consumers to coordinate their services, manage their risks and barriers, review care plans on a regular basis and adjust the consum- ers ISPs, when necessary.There may be a co-pay requirement; and due to budgetary constraints, some OPTIONS enrollees may be placed on a waiting list before services can be initiated.Program qualifications: Must be a Pennsylvania resident age 60 or older. Experience some degree of frailty in regard to physical and/ or mental status that impacts daily functioning.The OPTIONS program may require individuals to contribute to the cost of services based on ones total monthly income and that of the spouse who lives in the same household, if married.