and voluntary groups at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels; and Whereas, the Division on Aging is specifically authorized to initiate pilot projects to demonstrate new services for the aging; to cooperate with, encourage, and assist local groups, both public and voluntary, which are concerned with the problems of the aging; and to award grants and contracts to public and private organizations for the purpose of planning, coordinating, administering, developing, and delivering aging programs and services. Now, therefore, Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina: SECTION 1. Chapter 21, Title 43 of the 1976 Code is amended adding: (A) The division shall fund a program to “Section 432155. provide subsidies to lowincome senior citizens to purchase a personal emergency response system and to pay monthly service fees and charges. The division may establish a sliding scale for available subsidies that is based on a senior A citizen’s income. senior citizen is not eligible to receive a subsidy pursuant to this section if the person is eligible for a personal emergency response system through Medicare, Medicaid, or any other available health insurance coverage, provided the person may be entitled to a subsidy to apply towards any portion of costs not covered by the available insurance coverage. The division may contract with one or more private or public organizations to coordinate and administer the program. (B) For purposes of this section: (1) emergency response a portable ‘Personal system’ means wireless radio transmitter and a console that enables a person to contact emergency services if the person falls and is unable to get up or reach a telephone. (2) means a resident of South Carolina who is ‘Senior citizen’ sixtyfive years or older.” SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. XX
and voluntary groups at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels; and Whereas, the Division on Aging is specifically authorized to initiate pilot projects to demonstrate new services for the aging; to cooperate with, encourage, and assist local groups, both public and voluntary, which are concerned with the problems of the aging; and to award grants and contracts to public and private organizations for the purpose of planning, coordinating, administering, developing, and delivering aging programs and services. Now, therefore, Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina: SECTION 1. Chapter 21, Title 43 of the 1976 Code is amended adding: “Section 432155. (A) The division shall fund a program to provide subsidies to lowincome senior citizens to purchase a personal emergency response system and to pay monthly service fees and charges. The division may establish a sliding scale for available subsidies that is based on a senior citizen’s income. A senior citizen is not eligible to receive a subsidy pursuant to this section if the person is eligible for a personal emergency response system through Medicare, Medicaid, or any other available health insurance coverage, provided the person may be entitled to a subsidy to apply towards any portion of costs not covered by the available insurance coverage. The division may contract with one or more private or public organizations to coordinate and administer the program. (B) For purposes of this section: (1) ‘Personal emergency response system’ means a portable wireless radio transmitter and a console that enables a person to contact emergency services if the person falls and is unable to get up or reach a telephone. (2) ‘Senior citizen’ means a resident of South Carolina who is sixtyfive years or older.” SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. XX
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