Senate Committee on Aging Holds First Hearing of the New Congress

On January 15, Chair Tim Scott (R-SC) and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) convened a Senate hearing titled "Improving Wellness Among Seniors: Setting a Standard for the American Dream." Witnesses included Sheriff William Prummell, president of the Florida Sherriff's Association; Maria Alavarez, executive director of the New York StateWide Senior Action Council, Dr. Dawn Carr, director of the Claude Pepper Center at Florida State University; and Dr. Susan L. Hughes, founding director of the Center for Research on Health and Aging at the University of Illinois Chicago. Discussion underscored the urgent need to enhance coordination of supports and care across critical programs such as the Older Americans Act (OAA), Medicare Advantage, and law enforcement to promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of seniors. Senators emphasized priorities including maintaining affordable prescription drugs, preserving the financial well-being of older adults, and safeguarding access to Medicare and Social Security while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of these programs. Sens. Scott and Gillibrand both emphasized their concerns regarding preventing scams and elder financial abuse, providing tools to law enforcement, and ensuring victims are made whole. LeadingAge has a long-standing relationship with the Senate Committee on Aging and is eager to work with the new leadership to advance our members' policy goals.