The Senate has made significant strides by passing a revised version of the Older Americans Act (OAA), originally established in 1965.
This updated legislation will now be sent to the House of Representatives for further deliberation.
Key Features of the Revised Legislation
The announcement of this update was made by Bernie Sanders, the Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, along with ranking member Bill Cassidy and co-sponsor Lisa Murkowski.
The new bill introduces a variety of initiatives designed to bolster support for seniors who wish to age in place.
Among its key features are enhanced assistance for home care workers, resources for necessary home modifications, improvements in technological skills, and increased access to broadband internet.
Funding and Support for Seniors
As part of this reauthorization, funding for the OAA will see a significant boost, with a proposed budget of $2.76 billion for fiscal year 2025—a notable 20% increase from the $2.3 billion allocated in fiscal year 2024.
Sanders and Cassidy took pride in this bipartisan effort, emphasizing a united recognition of the pressing and often unmet needs of older Americans.
They underscored that the legislation seeks to address food insecurity and improve the overall health and well-being of vulnerable senior populations.
Inclusion of the Native ELDER Act
Furthermore, the senators noted a cost-effective aspect of the bill; it is expected to lessen the reliance of seniors on costly healthcare services.
They pointed out that the benefits of the Older Americans Act extend beyond just improving the lives of seniors; by keeping them out of hospitals, it also alleviates financial strains.
Murkowski’s Native ELDER Act, which aims to enhance federal support for Native Elders, has found a place in this reauthorized act.
She emphasized the importance of ensuring that Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian elders receive the care and support needed to age comfortably within their communities.
Feedback from various stakeholders indicated there were critical changes needed to address gaps in healthcare services for Native Elders, which Murkowski acknowledged.
She highlighted that it is vital for these individuals to receive adequate support as they age, allowing them to remain connected to their families and friends.
The passage of this bill has garnered broad support from advocates, who are now calling on the House to act swiftly.
The Senate’s approval came via unanimous consent, avoiding a formal vote count.
William Smith, chair of the National Indian Health Board, noted that the reauthorization of the OAA and the Native ELDER Act would lead to updates in Title VI programs, specifically tailored to meet tribal needs.
This includes the introduction of an Older Americans Tribal Advisory Committee and improved technical assistance for tribes, helping their elders age in place more effectively.
Source: Housingwire