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The National Council on Aging (NCOA) applauds Senators Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., for the introduction of S. 2466. This important legislation provides a five-year reauthorization of funding for low-income Medicare beneficiaries to learn about and enroll in financial assistance programs that help make their Medicare benefits affordable.
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Nationally, 4.7 million lower-income older adults were connected to existing Medicare programs that provide financial assistance in 2023-2024. Continued federal funding is vital to reach many of the estimated 20.3 million Medicare beneficiaries who are living at or below 150% of the federal poverty level and qualify for assistance.
“NCOA is thrilled that Senators Blackburn and Blunt Rochester have joined forces to introduce legislation that will help low-income Medicare beneficiaries across the country,” said Ramsey Alwin, President CEO of NCOA. “We're all focused on making Americans healthier and health care more affordable, especially for low-income older Americans. One easy way is to ensure they are enrolled in the benefits they're alreadyeligible for but not receiving,and this bill helps make sure that will happen.”
This federal investment is shared among Medicare State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, area agencies on aging, aging and disability resource centers, and the National Center on Benefits Outreach and Enrollment. The Center offers competitive grants to community-based organizations, which have created 87 state and local Benefits Enrollment Centersin 38 states. The grantees develop effective strategies to reach and enroll eligible older Americans. The funding also supports a toll-free national helpline.
Many don't realize until too late that Medicare is not free. Low-income older adults and people with disabilities living on fixed incomes are often forced to make difficult trade-offs-like cutting back on necessary medications and doctor visits to afford basic living necessities-to the detriment of their health and well-being. Single beneficiaries eligible for assistance generally have annual incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level ($21,870/year) and non-housing assets of less than $15,160. Without assistance from the Medicare Saving Programsand the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help)program, millions of Medicare beneficiaries simply could not afford the care they need as out-of-pocket health costs continue to rise.
Congress must act quickly to extend funding for this vital program for millions of older Americans, particularly those living in rural and underserved areas.
About NCOAThe National Council on Aging (NCOA)is the national voice for every person's right to age well.Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more by following us at@NCOAging.
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SOURCE National Council on Aging
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