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First things first.

The election is over and NCOA remains committed to doing what it's always done: being a trusted voice for older adults through non-partisan education and advocacy. We stand ready to work with our newly elected leaders—as we have for 75 years—to prioritize aging well for all as a national priority.

People with Medicare often don't know there are programs to help them afford their out-of-pocket health care costs. Since 2008, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) has funded successful efforts to find and enroll eligible people into benefits that help. But unless Congress acts before Dec. 31, the funding for these outreach programs will expire.

We know this federal investment works. In just the last two years, the program reached 9.3 million low-income Medicare beneficiaries. Congress knows MIPPA works, too—it extended funding for the program with bipartisan support 12 times.

Thousands of Americans are turning 65 each day, and 20.5 million people with Medicare live on $23,000 or less each year. Now is not the time to start pulling back on support for the community-based organizations that can provide relief.

For decades, Sherlea Dony worked hard and saved diligently for retirement. Then Sherlea lost every cent of her savings to a scam. She faced financial catastrophe.

Luckily, a MIPPA-funded solution was ready and waiting.

One of our community-based partners, Lifespan, guided Sherlea through the process of applying for benefits. The result was an additional $200 in Sherlea's monthly budget, which empowered her to afford food, medicine, and other necessities.

“My income went to $1,500 a month and that allowed me to buy more groceries, hearing aid batteries, and my inhaler because I have asthma. Having an organization that you can go to get all your needs met when you are in crisis—big time crisis—has been amazing.”

- Sherlea Dony

Millions of Americans like Sherlea face financial challenges. For their stories to have happy endings, local experts must be available and visible. That's what extending MIPPA funding would do.

Your voice will be an important part of helping them understand the urgency of this issue. Keep an eye on your inbox on Monday when we kick off our advocacy campaign on behalf of MIPPA. We need you to flood Congress with stories about why this funding matters to Sherlea, to you, and to millions of others.

We're glad you're with us as this effort begins!

Cheers,

The NCOA Public Policy & Advocacy Team

Final Thoughts

Older Americans Act funding and reauthorization We've talked before about this cornerstone of aging policy. It provides funding for senior centers, meal delivery programs, healthy aging programs, and even employment opportunities for older adults. Funding must be addressed quickly, but reauthorization will likely come up in January. Learn more about the OAA so you're ready to advocate when the time comes.

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