Ehlers notes inclusion of mental health issues in legislation

      Initially established in 1965, the Older Americans Act has transformed into the first stop for seniors to identify home- and community-based long term care options, as well as other supportive services that can help prevent or delay expensive institutional care and generate significant savings in federal entitlement programs. The bipartisan Senior Independence Act builds on that progress by: 

·         Promoting measures – such as nutrition programs and health screenings – that reduce seniors’ risk of injury, disease, or disability;

·         Improving access to health care by supporting resource centers in every community where older Americans and their families can go for reliable information about long-term care options, community support services, and important health benefits such as Medicare prescription drug coverage; and

·         Encouraging states and communities to plan for an increasing number of older Americans.

      Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids, said he was especially pleased that the legislation makes positive steps toward encouraging awareness and coordination of mental health services for seniors.

      “Throughout my life and career, I have met many people, including seniors, who are affected by mental health problems,” observed Ehlers, who named Suzann Ogland-Hand, director of the Center for Senior Care at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services in Grand Rapids, as his delegate to the White House Conference on Aging last year to raise the concern of seniors’ mental health issues. “Certainly, the stigma related to mental health issues for seniors is significant. I have observed the devastating impact untreated mental health conditions have on the individual and their family members’ lives.”

      Ehlers also noted that H.R. 5293 will coordinate programs at the Administration on Aging and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to support community-based efforts to assist low-income and limited-English speaking populations with enrollment in the Medicare prescription drug program. The bill also will launch Aging and Disabilities Resource Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico to create a single point of access to the range of services available to seniors, including home and community-based long-term care options and the new Medicare prescription drug program.

      “Improving access to preventive measures, key health benefits, and long-term care options will save substantial taxpayer resources in the long run by easing the burden on entitlement programs like Medicare and Medicaid,” Ehlers said.

A summary of the Senior Independence Act is available by CLICKING HERE.