Programs to aid health care for older Americans and provide them meals would receive an almost 5% increase through fiscal 2029 under legislation a Senate committee approved last week.
The Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted 20-1 to reauthorize the Older Americans Act. This 59-year-old law offers grants to state and local organizations that offer training and social programs for older Americans, as well as nutrition services and federal aging programs.
The bill would increase funding for investigating abuse and poor services at long-term care facilities and includes enhanced measures for caregivers, alongside money for items such as senior centers and the Meals On Wheels program.
To get agreement on the package, committee chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) settled for allowing a 4.62% increase each year, starting at $2.7 billion in the fiscal year starting October 1. The money still needs to be part of the next bill to fund the government.
Susan Collins (Maine), the top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, is a co-sponsor of the bill. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, voted for it in committee Wednesday.
Only Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) voted against the bill.
The bill now goes to the full Senate for a final vote.
