Contact:
Simona Combi
Public Relations Manager
571-527-3982
simona.combi@ncoa.org

Nov. 20, 2025, Arlington, Virginia—The National Council on Aging (NCOA) applauds Representatives Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), and Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) for introducing [BILL NUMBER TBD]. The legislation would reauthorize for five years the funding included in the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) for low-income enrollment which helps make Medicare affordable for more people. 

“Medicare is not free, and millions of older Americans on fixed incomes struggle to afford food, rent, and ever-increasing health care costs,” said Ramsey Alwin, President CEO of NCOA. “That’s why it’s critical to enroll those who are eligible into the programs that help pay for Medicare services and prescription drug premiums and copays. Reauthorizing MIPPA for five years will provide stable funding so community-based organizations across the country can continue finding and enrolling people into these programs that help them stay healthy, in their communities, and out of hospitals.”  

MIPPA funds grants to local organizations to conduct outreach and enrollment for programs like the Medicare Saving Programs and the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help). NCOA’s Benefits Participation Map shows that 9 million older adults are eligible for but not receiving benefits, including 5.8 million who are eligible for but not enrolled in the Medicare Savings Programs alone.  

Meanwhile, poverty has increased to 15% among older adults for the third year in a row, and recent research from NCOA and LeadingAge LTSS Center @ UMass Boston found that older adults with the fewest financial resources die, on average, nine years earlier than those with the greatest wealth. 

“Getting low-income Medicare beneficiaries the benefits for which they’re eligible can be a matter of life and death,” said Alwin. “NCOA urges the House to pass this legislation, along with the companion Senate bill (S. 2466), to ensure every American has the resources they need to age with dignity.” 

About NCOA 
The 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 at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging. 

Photo by  DragonImages© all rights reserved for NCOA use only