Senator Coons Cosponsors Bill to Continue Support for Older Americans

Press Release

Bipartisan bill would fund supportive services for seniors

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) is working with a bipartisan group of senators to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA), legislation that funds social and nutritional services for America's seniors. First passed by Congress in 1965, the OAA has long provided critical support for meal programs, transportation services, job training, and safeguards to prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older Americans. The five-year OAA reauthorization includes strengthened protections for vulnerable seniors and expanded support for family caregivers.

"We owe it to our seniors to ensure they have the resources they need to age with dignity and security," Senator Coons said. "As the population of Americans age 60 and older continues to grow, it's imperative that we invest in the health and welfare of older Americans. The OAA funds vital programs that support seniors and their caregivers, and its reauthorization will ensure they can continue serving those in need."

The OAA Reauthorization Act of 2013 includes a number of important updates to strengthen existing OAA programs. New provisions will bolster the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which provides advocates for residents of adult care facilities, and strengthen elder abuse screening and prevention efforts. The reauthorization bill also features improvements to facilitate the efficient use of transportation services, promote the delivery of evidence-based programs, and improve coordination between programs at the federal, state, and local levels.

Investments in programs for seniors yield significant cost savings for the federal government. According to one study, every $1 in federal spending on Meals on Wheels yields as much as $50 in Medicaid savings alone. Another program to prevent falls, the leading cause of injuries for people 65 and older, has been credited with reducing accidents that necessitate costly hospital and nursing home care.

The OAA Reauthorization Act of 2013 was introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) and is also supported by Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Mark Begich (D-Ark.), and Tom Harkin (D-Iowa).

More than 50 organizations devoted to senior welfare have endorsed the bill, including AARP, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, the National Council on Aging, the Alzheimer's Association, and the Meals on Wheels Association of America.

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