Senator Boxer: Better Geriatric Care

June 6 , 2007

I am pleased to let you know about legislation that I am cosponsoring to foster better health care for many of our seniors. The Geriatric Assessment and Chronic Care Coordination Act of 2007, S.1340, by Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) would link eligible seniors suffering from chronic illnesses with a qualified health professional to coordinate their care. This is a necessary step to improve the quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of care for chronically ill Medicare beneficiaries.

Many seniors have several chronic conditions that are best treated with coordinated care. Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease can tax both a senior and his or her family. And these chronic conditions can also tax a family’s finances. Senator Lincoln’s bill would realign Medicare services to provide high-quality, cost-effective care to older adults with multiple chronic illnesses.

S.1340 would provide for a comprehensive review of an individual's medical condition, functional and cognitive capacity, and the environmental and psychosocial needs of the patient. Individuals who have been assessed and deemed eligible for coordinated care could elect to use this benefit and could choose a chronic care manager.

I believe this legislation is an important step to both improve medical care for many seniors who have multiple health conditions and improve the Medicare program for them and their families. I am pleased to cosponsor Senator Lincoln’s legislation and will work for its passage.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

Back to top