Seniors

As co-chair of the Democratic Caucus Congressional Task Force on Seniors in the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Matsui has consistently supported policies that are important to seniors in Sacramento, such as protecting and strengthening Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Older Americans Act programs. Congresswoman Matsui is committed to ensuring all Americans have the tools they need to achieve the retirement security they have earned.<br />\
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<strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">SOCIAL SECURITY</span></strong><br />\
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Social Security is a pillar of our society, representing our nation’s promise to preserving the well-being and dignity of its people as they grow older. For 79 years, Social Security has provided older Americans with stability and security by offering a minimum level of guaranteed income to aging citizens.<br />\
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Congresswoman Matsui has worked diligently to ensure the federal government continues to provide the retirement benefits our seniors have earned, so they can maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.<br />\
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<strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">MEDICARE</span></strong><br />\
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For 48 years, Medicare has provided Seniors and people with disabilities access to affordable health care. Over 49 million retired Americans rely on Medicare to provide some or all of their health insurance needs. Despite access to such benefits, elderly Americans spend almost a quarter of their yearly income on health care services. Congresswoman Matsui works to strengthen Medicare, and ensure it continues to provide retired Americans access to affordable and reliable health insurance.<br />\
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Congresswoman Matsui was a key advocate for The Affordable Care Act, which significantly increased access to preventive services for Medicare beneficiaries. Before the health care law, Medicare beneficiaries only received one wellness physical throughout their entire time on the program. With the ACA, all Medicare beneficiaries are able to see their doctor once a year for an annual physical, allowing them the chance to focus on wellness and prevention. Furthermore, Medicare beneficiaries have access to a host of new preventive screenings and procedures, without any out-of-pocket costs.<br />\
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In addition, the ACA has saved seniors tens of billions of dollars in prescription drug costs and strengthened the solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund by more than a decade. Congresswoman Matsui will continue to advocate for the full implementation of the ACA, so seniors can continue to benefit from its advances.<br />\
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<strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">MEDICAID</span></strong><br />\
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Medicaid is a safety net for low-income seniors and is the single largest payer of long term services and supports in this country. Approximately 12 million Americans need long-term services and supports, which are medical and personal care assistance services for people who have difficulty completing daily living activities over a prolonged period of time.<br />\
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Without Medicaid or private long term care insurance, which many families do not have, families are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on long term care for their loved ones. The Congresswoman is working to ensure that Medicaid remains a strong safety net for those who need it, while encouraging a more consumer-friendly long term care private insurance and a public program that will be there for those with catastrophic long term care costs.<br />\
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<strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">OLDER AMERICANS ACT</span></strong><br />\
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For more than 50 years, Older Americans Act (OAA) programs have delivered critical resources and services to millions of American seniors. These programs provide people with home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation to medical appointments and the grocery store, and adult day care. The Older Americans Act promotes health and well-being – helping manage diabetes, prevent falls, and improve behavioral health so seniors can live at home in their community. These programs also provide unique support to hardworking Americans who serve as family caregivers, many of whom work full-time jobs in addition to their caretaking responsibilities. As Co-Chair of the Seniors Task Force, Congresswoman Matsui continues to fight to preserve the OAA for the millions of seniors who depend on it to live healthy and productive lives.<br />\
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<h2>Accomplishments</h2>\
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<li>Stood up to protect seniors and people with disabilities from significant increases in their 2016 Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles.</li>\
<li>Advocated for the successful reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.</li>\
<li>As Co-Chair of the Seniors Task Force, hosted a number of briefings and events for Members of Congress on topics such as Alzheimer’s; family and paid caregiving; long term services and supports; and strengthening and expanding Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.</li>\
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<h2>Legislation</h2>\
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<li>H.R. 3713 Geriatrics Workforce and Caregiver Enhancement Act&nbsp;</li>\
<li>H.R. 3172 Medicare IVIG Demonstration Extension Act of 2017</li>\
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