In a surprising turn of events in Washington, the widely supported Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2024 has been excluded from the latest version of the bipartisan year-end legislative package. This decision comes amid efforts to streamline the bill, leaving essential services for millions of elderly Americans in jeopardy, particularly as the threat of a government shutdown looms, which could further disrupt funding. The original bipartisan bill, S. 4776, aimed to continue providing critical support such as meals, transportation, and caregiver services, advocating for the health and well-being of older adults across the nation. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are now scrambling to address the potential fallout as time runs short.
Act now by contacting your representatives. Express the importance of maintaining these funds to continue supporting our elderly population, such as the Henry County Senior Citizen Center. For an easy way to reach out, use this ready-to-use email template to express your support to your local state representatives and share the urgent alert from USAging with your network. Together, we can make a difference!
“Our members, local Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Native American Aging Programs, serve on the front lines of aging services, using OAA authority and funding to support older adults in remaining healthy, living at home and maintaining their independence for as long as possible by providing a range of support and resources for millions of older adults and their family caregivers,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood.
“Congress must not go home until they have fully authorized and funded the services that millions of older adults and caregivers rely upon, such as in-home help with bathing and dressing, transportation, home-delivered and congregate meals, case management, family caregiver support, falls prevention programs, elder abuse prevention and other critical resources,” Markwood added.
Markwood issued an urgent appeal to Congress: “Older adults who rely on these essential OAA supports to stay healthy, safe and living at home are counting on Congress to have their backs NOW, not after they take their holiday break, and not three months from now. Congress should not leave town until they deliver for older adults and caregivers!”