Senate Approves Reauthorization of Older American's Act
Aging Committee Chairman Susan Collins Addressed Senate in Support of Long Overdue Legislation
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WASHINGTON, DC-- Nearly twelve million older Americans receive services through Older Americans Act (OAA) programs, such as meals on wheels, senior centers, transportation, legal services, and caregiver support, which are operated through a national network of Area Agencies on Aging. In Maine alone, more than 100,000 seniors benefit from programs offered through five Area Agencies on Aging. Senator Collins, who chairs the Senate Aging Committee, today applauded the Senate’s approval of a reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, which expired four years ago.
Speaking on the Senate floor earlier today, Senator Collins said that approval of this important reauthorization bill is particularly significant since July marks the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act. She has received nearly 700 letters from seniors throughout Maine urging the Senate to approve an OAA reauthorization.
The Senator said, “The Older Americans Act funds critical services in communities across the country that help to keep older adults healthy and independent. This funding supports some of the most vital and successful programs for our nation’s seniors. It also helps to relieve financial pressure on the Medicare and Medicaid programs because they help seniors to stay healthy, independent, and living right where they want to be—in the comfort and security of their own homes.”
The bill also included important provisions to strengthen the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and to protect vulnerable seniors from financial exploitation and abuse.
Senator Collins said she looks forward to working with her Senate and House colleagues to ensure that the OAA reauthorization is signed into law this year.
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