Letter.pdf

The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is urging Congress to consider several recommendations in a fourth coronavirus relief package to support older adults during the pandemic. The recommendations include:

Implementing funding increases and policy changes for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver programs
Incorporating additional funding for the Older Americans Act and other vital aging programs
Ensuring national access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety supplies for the Aging Network workforce
Providing ongoing financial relief to states, communities, and other vital safety net systems

Specifically, n4a recommends increasing the Medicaid FMAP bump from 6.2 to 12 percent, including provisions from the Coronavirus Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act, and passing a long-term or permanent reauthorization for the Medicaid Money Follows the Person program. Additionally, n4a urges Congress to provide resources to address social isolation and ensure older adults can stay connected to society while staying safe at home.