More than 100,000 people have died from COVID-19 in 2022―and 85% were over the age of 65.¹ This pandemic is still hitting seniors hard.

That’s why we were so encouraged that the Biden administration responded to the Omicron Surge by distributing free COVID tests through the USPS. Requesting them was surprisingly easy for most people, and the tests are now being delivered to people’s homes. Increased testing will absolutely lead to less COVID.

The Biden administration is also distributing free N-95 masks at community centers and pharmacies. But for the people most at risk of dying from COVID, the last thing they need is to take another trip out in public with a less-effective mask.

Tell Congress and the Biden administration: Pass the Masks for All Act and deliver masks to households via the USPS!

Throughout the pandemic, governments at the federal and state level have been slow to recognize the unique needs of older Americans. From a lack of resources for in-home vaccinations to the crisis in nursing homes, seniors have paid the highest price from COVID. Passing the Masks for All Act would ensure that high quality masks get where they are needed most by:

• Appropriating $5 billion for domestic manufacturing, procurement, and N-95 respirator distribution
• Requiring the federal government to procure masks at a reasonable price
• Delivering masks to households via the U.S. Postal Service
• Manufacturing and delivering masks in a variety of sizes, including for children, to ensure proper fit
• Packaging masks with information on the importance of wearing and proper use of masks
• Requiring weekly progress reports to Congress on use of funds and actions undertaken to eliminate mask shortages

Tell Congress and the Biden administration: Protect seniors! Pass the Masks for All Act today!

Thanks,

Michael Phelan
Social Security Works

¹ https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/covid_weekly/index.htm#SexAndAge