NCOA Advocates for Medicare Outreach Funding Extension to Aid Older Adults

The National Council on Aging (NCOA), along with 100 other national health organizations, has urged the U.S. Congress to extend funding for programs that help Medicare beneficiaries, especially low-income older adults, access affordable healthcare. These outreach and enrollment initiatives, originally funded under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) of 2008, provide essential support to millions by facilitating access to prescription drug coverage and other critical Medicare benefits. Despite Medicare coverage, many seniors still face significant out-of-pocket costs, making these assistance programs vital to maintaining their health and financial security. The advocacy effort centers on the Senior Savings Protection Act (S. 2466/H.R. 6210), which proposes a five-year reauthorization of this funding to sustain community-based organizations that assist Medicare beneficiaries. Since 2008, MIPPA-funded programs have connected 4.7 million low-income older adults last fiscal year alone to resources that reduce medical expenses, prevent hospitalizations, and promote economic stability. Bipartisan legislative support for the Senior Savings Protection Act comes from senators and representatives across the political spectrum, emphasizing its role in supporting healthcare access and affordability for seniors and people with disabilities. This legislative push underscores a broader commitment to ensuring that aging populations can age well with dignity, purpose, and financial independence. Continued federal investment in MIPPA-related outreach is framed as a cost-effective approach to decreasing healthcare disparities and enhancing community health outcomes for elderly populations.