Senate has passed the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2015.
The Older Americans Act, which was originally passed in 1965, includes many programs to help the elderly including healthcare, elder abuse prevention and coordination of care between various levels of government.
The Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2015 was introduced in the Senate by a bipartisan group of Senators. An amended version passed the House of Representatives.
The American Geriatrics Society reports that the Senate has now passed the House-amended legislation in the press release “Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2015 passes US Senate.”
The legislation reauthorizes the Older Americans Act through 2018.
Hopefully, gaining reauthorization will not take as long then. It is also important to note that passing this legislation is not all that needs to be done to address the legal and medical needs of the elderly. The law is important, but seniors still need more protection from elder abuse and still face challenges to their healthcare needs.
Reference: American Geriatrics Society (April 8, 2016) “Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2015 passes US Senate.”
