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Simona Combi
Public Relations Manager
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simona.combi@ncoa.org

Arlington, VA (November 9, 2022)—The following is a statement from Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging (NCOA), on priorities for Congress now that the midterm elections are over:

“With the midterm elections behind us, NCOA remains committed to working in a bipartisan manner with both the current and new Congress to protect and strengthen the bedrock programs every American depends on as they age.

“Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security form the cornerstone of retirement security for millions of Americans, especially now that more older adults are falling into poverty, according to the latest Census data. One in four Americans receiving Social Security depend on it for 90% of their income.

These programs are a promise our society made to all Americans, and we must keep that promise.

“Before the new Congress takes over in January, NCOA urges the current Congress to:

• Pass adequate FY23 funding for programs that promote the dignity, health, and independence of older adults and their caregivers. Continuing resolutions fail to address their needs and impede pandemic recovery.
• Enact bipartisan legislation to improve the retirement system and bolster savings, especially for low- and middle-income workers.  
• Improve access to home care for low-income older adults and people with disabilities by making permanent Medicaid’s Money Follows the Person program and spousal impoverishment protections.  
• Help Medicare beneficiaries access mental health care by covering marriage and family therapist services, mental health counselor services, and certain clinical social worker services. 

We believe every American should have the resources they need to age well. Ensuring equitable aging should be a national priority for lawmakers.”

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. We believe that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or ZIP code. 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 by following us at @NCOAging.