In Congress, it's clear a sweeping shift in funding priorities is in the works. Spending cuts have been promised and negotiations are underway. All of this will need to be worked out by March 14, the deadline for a new spending bill to be passed and avoid a government shutdown.

Members of Congress are eager to investigate how their districts could be affected. Now is the time to educate them. Whether it's your personal experience or your professional impact, stories are the key to informing members of Congress about the people using the many services under discussion, like the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) and Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS/Extra Help).

These two laws are our top priorities right now.

The Older Americans Act (OAA) needs funding and reauthorization to continue serving the millions of people who depend on it for home-delivered meals, senior center programs, caregiver support, job skills training, and benefits enrollment assistance. All of those services are threatened stop if the government shuts down on March 14. That's not something hungry seniors can afford.

People who need help affording Medicare costs would also be affected if funding for the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) expires on March 31. MIPPA funds benefits counselors across the country who connect people with programs like Extra Help or the MSPs. These financial supports contribute to the health and well-being of older adults nationwide.

The good news is that Senators Wyden (D-OR) and Sanders (D-VT) have introduced The Bipartisan Health Care Act, which would extend MIPPA for two years. We hope this starts discussion about how to keep the services flowing.

Less than half of older adults who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are enrolled—despite an average monthly benefit of $158 for one-person senior households. And older adults in need aren't the only ones missing out.

Farmers and grocers depend on SNAP to stimulate demand for their business. In other words, the economic influence of SNAP goes way beyond what's for dinner in any one home. That's making it hard for Congress to agree on what to cut.

Medicaid is in a similar position. The program pays for much of the health care provided to people with disabilities and low-income Americans. These individuals often have few alternatives if support is cut, leaving members of Congress with big questions about who might be harmed in the name of savings.

The Bottom Line

Your members of Congress need to hear from you. It's important that they understand what you and the older adults in your community depend on. We've created simple online forms you can use to send a message. As we've said before, your story is the key to making an impact. If you or someone you know has a stake in these issues, let your elected officials know.

If you have questions about how to advocate or want to share your experience with us, please feel free to email the team at [email protected].

Cheers,

The NCOA Public Policy & Advocacy Team  

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