FEDERAL VICTORIES BENEFIT OLDER ADULTS
Congress passed the bipartisan reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, our country’s preeminent law focused on the overall wellbeing, health and independence of seniors. Since 1965, this legislation has helped millions of older adults age in their homes and communities with federal allocations for vital services.
On March 27, the CARES Act was signed into law – the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. This law gives financial help to people and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. It also provides $100 million for caregiver support and a 6.2 percent increase in the federal Medicaid match to states. The Medicaid Money Follows the Person Program and spousal impoverishment protections also were extended to November 30, 2020. Advocacy continues now to permanently reauthorize this vital caregiving program.
While we appreciate all of the legislation and special allowances that have been approved to assist in combating Covid-19 within our senior population, we need more advocacy for:
- Additional support for Caregivers and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
- Increases in benefits for nutrition services, as well as more flexibility for such assistance as food deliveries.
- Increased pay for Direct Care Workers
- Support in creating Age-Friendly Communities
- Funding for community-based organizations to help older adults address their physical and mental health, manage medications, and stay physically active through phone calls and online classes while they remain at home.
- Additional funding for senior employment training and incentives for employers to hire and retain older workers.
- Additional federal support for Community Based Organizations involvement in Managed Long Term Services and Supports.
- Improved access to Medicare low-income assistance and funding for State Health Insurance Assistance Programs.
Dignity & Democracy in Aging is a powerful call to action!
