30 Jul 2024 BPC Action Urges Reauthorization of Older Americans Act in Health
Ahead of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee markup of S. 4776, the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2024, BPC Action urges the committee to advance this bipartisan bill to promote the nonmedical, health-related social needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities. It is crucial that Congress reauthorize the programs under the Older Americans Act and support ongoing research to address the needs of these Americans.
S. 4776, led by HELP Chair Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-LA), aligns with Bipartisan Policy Center recommendations to improve long-term services and supports (LTSS) and bolster the direct care workforce.
BPC and BPC Action particularly support the following sections of S. 4776:
Sec. 202—Improving Health Outcomes
- BPC recommendation/findings: Congress should reauthorize the Older Americans Act, including making sufficient investments in the Administration for Community Living’s Research, Demonstration, and Evaluation Center.
Sec. 207—GAO study and report on access to housing for older individuals
- BPC recommendation/findings: With the older adult population increasing rapidly, Congress should ensure ongoing and sufficient federal support for programs that support the nonmedical, health-related social needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Sec. 301—Medically Tailored Meals
- BPC recommendation/findings: Recognizing the potential of food-based interventions to improve health outcomes, Congress should support innovative nutrition interventions and services tailored to individual needs.
Sec. 404—Direct Care Workforce Resource Center
- BPC recommendation/findings: The U.S. has long faced a shortage of direct care workers, impacting health care access, quality, and costs. Congress should support national resource centers to enhance recruitment and retention of direct care workers, including support for family caregivers.
