Seniors
Top 6 Policy Issues Affecting Seniors in 2012
By
Jan 23, 2012 - 3:07:46 PM

Election Year Politics and Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act Will Play Key Role in the Lives of Older Adults this Year

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2012 -- With Congress back in session and the presidential election year in full swing, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) encourages older adults and their caregivers to advocate for key issues that could greatly affect their lives, and their livelihoods.

While Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are top priorities, and will likely receive the bulk of media attention, NCOA doesn't anticipate any significant movement on these issues in 2012.

However, NCOA has developed a list of the top 6 issues that seniors should understand, track, and speak out on in 2012:


1. Older Americans Act (OAA): The OAA is up for reauthorization, which
offers a prime opportunity to strengthen and modernize aging services to
ensure that we meet the diverse needs of our growing older
population--especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. The
OAA funds critical, cost-effective programs that allow seniors to stay
healthy and independent in their communities. These include job training
and placement (under the Senior Community Service Employment Program -
SCSEP), health promotion and disease prevention, senior nutrition
programs, senior centers, caregiver support, and more. Action in the
Senate is expected soon.
2. Extensions of Medicare Low-Income Protections, "Doc Fix," and
Unemployment Insurance: At the end of last year, Congress passed a bill
to extend until Feb. 29 several programs that provide key benefits to the
most vulnerable older adults. Now lawmakers must pass a long-term
extension to continue these programs. They include the Qualified
Individual (QI) program, which helps disadvantaged seniors pay their
Medicare Part B premiums; Medicare physician payments (the "doc fix"), to
prevent serious cuts in payments to doctors under Medicare; and
Unemployment Insurance benefits to continue support for individuals
struggling to find work. Seniors should also be mindful that some want to
cut Medicare or prevention benefits to pay for these and other
extensions.
3. Senior Program Funding Cuts: Budget cuts over the past year have
significantly affected the most vulnerable older adults, with major
reductions in housing, energy, and employment assistance for low-income
seniors. The combination of these funding cuts, a rapidly growing senior
population, and increased demand for economic assistance means millions
of older adults will not get the services they need to make ends meet.
Funding for senior programs will continue to be in jeopardy throughout
the year.
4. Long-Term Care: As part of the Affordable Care Act, Congress passed a new
voluntary, long-term care insurance program called the Community Living
Assistance Services and Supports Program (CLASS). CLASS would allow
individuals to plan for long-term services as they age and remain at home
rather than being forced to spend-down their life savings or enter a
nursing home. However, implementation of CLASS has been suspended. Some
opponents in Congress believe the program should be repealed, but have
offered nothing in its place to address the growing problem that millions
of families and caregivers struggle with every day. NCOA and a broad
range of organizations representing seniors and people with disabilities
believe CLASS can be fixed and must not be repealed - at least until a
consensus can be developed on a viable alternative.
5. Access to Preventive Benefits: In addition to funding for senior health
promotion and disease prevention under the OAA, some members of Congress
have tried to repeal or significantly cut other preventive benefits. For
example, the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which includes resources
for proven chronic disease self-management programs for seniors, has been
specifically targeted for repeal and major budget cuts. The Senate also
proposed last year to include new investments for elder falls prevention
under this fund. The proposed repeals of health care reform also would
mean elimination of the new Medicare annual wellness visit and increased
copayments for other preventive services that are now free under
Medicare.
6. Hunger and Food Insecurity: In addition to funding for Meals on Wheels,
congregate meals programs, and food banks, renewal of agriculture
legislation (the Farm Bill) provides an opportunity to increase access to
nutrition assistance for seniors. Only one-third of low-income seniors
who are eligible currently participate in the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP; formerly Food Stamps). Changes that can
increase access and benefits include altering eligibility rules,
increasing the minimum benefit, streamlining and modernizing
applications, and enhancing access to healthy food options. However, in
the name of deficit reduction, some in Congress are likely to propose
reducing access to these benefits.
"America's seniors have never been a group to stay silent," said Jim Firman, NCOA president and CEO. "Collectively, they can help raise the voices of millions of older adults and fight for much-needed services and supports for our most vulnerable population."

For tips on how to advocate, additional information on these issues, and directions for contacting your members of Congress, please visit www.ncoa.org/Toolkit.

About NCOAThe National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults--especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged--and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit: www.ncoa.org |www.facebook.com/NCOAging | www.twitter.com/NCOAging

SOURCE National Council on Aging

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