Take Action

Advocate for Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act

February 25, 2020

A bipartisan, bicameral bill - HR 4334 - has been introduced to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA).  Passing this legislation is critical because the OAA authorizes programs and funding to benefit individuals aged 60 years or older in each state, including services such as the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, home and community-based services, legal services, nutrition and transportation services, and more. H.R. 4334 would reauthorize the OAA for five years. It would also strengthen the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program by increasing funding authorizations for the program,  updating the maintenance of effort provisions, and ensuring that ombudsman programs are able to use resources to support the work of their volunteer representatives.
 
Please call your Senators right away!  We anticipate that the Senate may act as early as next week.

TAKE ACTION NOW

• Contact the office of one of your Senators and ask for the staff person who handles Older Americans Act issues. You can reach the office by calling the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 or (202) 224-3091 (TTY).
• Ask that your Senator votes to pass H.R. 4334 to reauthorize the Older Americans Act. Point out that the Act is important because it helps older adults age with independence and dignity in their homes and communities, and protects elders in long-term care facilities.  
• Repeat by calling your second Senator. 
• Ask others in your network to do the same!

 Thank you for your advocacy!