07 Mar 2019 BPC Action Applauds Introduction of Senior and Disability Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act of 2019 in Housing

BPC Action issued the following statement regarding the introduction of the Senior and Disability Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act of 2019:

“BPC Action commends the bicameral, bipartisan introduction of the Senior and Disability Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act of 2019 by Sens. King (I-ME) and Collins (R-ME) and Reps. Morelle (D-NY) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and others. This legislation creates a cross-cutting initiative by the HHS assistant secretary for aging to coordinate, review, and promote the numerous federal home modification programs and resources that are available to older adults and people with disabilities. Up to 80 percent of home modifications are paid for out of pocket, an increasing burden on America’s growing older adult population. This legislation will lead to a better understanding of the effectiveness of federal programs at enabling older and disabled individuals to live safely and independently at home.

This bill closely aligns with recommendations in BPC’s Senior Health and Housing Task Force report, Healthy Aging Begins at Home, which was developed by former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros, former HUD Secretary and Senator Mel Martinez, and former Reps. Allyson Y. Schwartz and Vin Weber. The report offered policy options to better integrate the health care and housing needs of America’s seniors.”