alt [[link removed]] Insights for
Advocates
The Government's Back Open: Now What?
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Hello from Washington, where the federal government is open again at last. The longest shutdown in history is over, but its impact is still being felt. What’s in the agreement that passed? Here are some highlights:
* Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will continue through Sept. 30, 2026. 7.8 million low-income older adults [[link removed]] count on SNAP to afford the food they need to stay healthy.
* Services that provide meals, transportation, caregiver support, senior center activities, and more under the Older Americans Act [[link removed]] are level-funded through Jan. 30, 2026.
* The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) [[link removed]] is funded through Jan. 30, 2026. This is a big win, as MIPPA helps low-income Medicare beneficiaries afford their Medicare plans. Strong bipartisan support also continues to build for funding MIPPA. Sens. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Lisa Blunt-Rochester, D-Del., introduced a bill this summer [[link removed]] to extend funding for five more years.
While things are settled for the moment, we’ll need to continue pushing to protect these programs early in the new year. We’ll keep you informed so you can take action when needed.
Your Advocacy Worked!
Thanks to your voices and action, we’re seeing real progress toward making obesity treatment accessible for everyone.
The Trump administration recently announced deals to make some obesity medications available to certain Medicare and Medicaid recipients. It’s an important step [[link removed]] toward helping all Americans stay healthy and independent.
Obesity affects about 40% of Americans age 65+ [[link removed]] and is linked to hundreds of health conditions. That’s why we’re continuing to push for Medicare to cover the full range of obesity treatments, including nutrition counseling.
alt [[link removed]] On Oct. 29 we took this message to Capitol Hill.
We had meaningful conversations with champions like Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Sen. Ben Ray Luján, who are leading bipartisan efforts [[link removed]] in the House and Senate to make this happen.
A huge thank you to everyone who came to Washington or sent letters of support.
Together, we’re making healthy aging possible for all!
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What's Next?
Stay tuned as Congress returns to work, and we turn the corner on 2025. As always, we will need your stories and your voice to speak up for older adults. Thank you for your support!
Have more questions? Or interested in providing your expertise on behalf of aging services? Please reach out to our Public Policy and Advocacy Team at [email protected] [[email protected]?subject=I have expertise to support NCOA's work on the Hill&body=Please tell us more about your knowledge and availability.] .
'Til next time,
The NCOA Team
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