HARRISBURG (Dec. 17, 2012) - The Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) has issued a newly revised publication, "A Guide to Legal Issues for Pennsylvania Senior Citizens," which includes important updates on Medicare, Social Security, end of life issues, senior housing and health care options and long term care insurance. The free, 84-page guide is available on the PBA's website, www.pabar.org.

"The guide provides timely and reliable information to help seniors navigate through the maze of government benefits, minimize costs of insurance plans and protect themselves from financial predators," said Thomas G. Wilkinson Jr., president, Pennsylvania Bar Association. "The guide is also helpful to caregivers who assist seniors in making important decisions on a wide range of medical and legal issues."

The guide has been updated, revised and edited by the PBA Senior Lawyers Committee, which issued the first edition of the guide more than 10 years ago.

"Laws and guidelines for programs impacting seniors have changed greatly in the last few years," said Mason Avrigian Sr., chair of the committee. "Obviously no publication can cover all the legal issues related to a group as diverse as Pennsylvania's senior citizens. But, this guide offers current information on a host of issues commonly faced by seniors and their caregivers."

The guide includes details about the following issues:

• The ever fluid law on Medicare and various prescription plans, including their cost and coverage
• Changes in Social Security and additional federal and state benefit programs, including dollar amounts of the benefits
• Evolving laws regarding end of life matters such as POLST (Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment)
• Changes to Pennsylvania's law covering assisted living, personal care homes and other facilities for seniors
• Long term care insurance and tips on how to shop for it

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association strives to promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 28,000 lawyers who are members of the association.