MATSUI AND COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE BILL TO PROTECT LOW-INCOME SENIORS’ ACCESS TO UNBIASED MEDICARE ASSISTANCE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) along with Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Angie Craig (D-MN), introduced the Senior Savings Protection Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize critical outreach and assistance programs under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA). The bill extends funding for five years at current levels and ensures that low-income Medicare beneficiaries continue to receive trusted, one-on-one guidance to help them understand and access the benefits they are entitled to.
MIPPA grants fund community-based organizations that provide in-person counseling, education, eligibility screening, benefit explanation, application and enrollment assistance, and outreach to promote Medicare enrollment. These services are especially important for older adults who may struggle to navigate Medicare’s complex enrollment processes—particularly lower-income seniors, people with disabilities, rural residents, caregivers, and those with limited English proficiency.
“Every senior deserves clear, trusted information about their Medicare options,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “MIPPA programs are the only source of free, unbiased information to help seniors understand their benefits and make the right decisions for their health and financial security. My bill ensures older Americans can retain access to this assistance and fully benefit from cost-saving tools like the new out-of-pocket prescription drug spending cap included in the Inflation Reduction Act. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to protect and strengthen these vital programs.”
“For years, MIPPA programs have been a lifeline for low-income older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers-helping them save money, access essential medications, and get the care they deserve. Reauthorizing this funding is not just good policy; it is a commitment to protecting the dignity, health, and financial security of some of our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “The Senior Savings Protection Act ensures these vital services remain available and accessible, and I’m honored to help lead this effort on behalf of the communities who depend on them.”
“Every senior deserves clear, unbiased guidance when navigating their Medicare benefits. The Senior Savings Protection Act would help older Americans access the trusted support they need to make informed decisions about their care and to get help lowering their costs,” said Congresswoman DelBene. “By reauthorizing these outreach programs, we’re helping seniors gain resources on how to lower costs, understand their Medicare options, avoid predatory misinformation, & fully access the benefits they’ve earned.”
“I join my colleagues in introducing the Senior Savings Protection Act to ensure low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities can easily access information on the programs that help make Medicare more affordable,” said Congresswoman Milliotakis. “More than 240,000 New Yorkers used these services last year, and this bill ensures these vital resources remain available for those who need them most.”
“Every senior should have the information and support they need to access their earned Medicare benefits, and that’s why it’s critical that existing outreach and enrollment resources are extended,” said Congresswoman Craig. “I’m proud to be introducing the Senior Savings Protection Act to improve health outcomes and ensure that our nation’s seniors can access the affordable care they are owed."
The legislation is endorsed by the National Council on Aging and AARP.
"With millions of older Americans on fixed incomes struggling to afford food and rent, it's more important than ever to enroll those who are eligible into the programs that help pay for Medicare premiums and copays,” said NCOA President & CEO, Ramsey Alwin. “Reauthorizing the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) for 5 years will provide stable funding to enable community-based organizations across the country to continue their critical work of finding and enrolling people into these benefits that help them stay healthy, in their communities, and out of hospitals. While much progress has been made, we know that almost 5.8 million older adults are eligible for but not enrolled in the Medicare Savings Programs alone."
Since 2008, MIPPA grants have helped states, tribes, and community partners reach more than one million low-income Medicare beneficiaries with direct counseling and outreach. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) administers the grants through State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), and Aging & Disability Resource Centers/No Wrong Door Systems (ADRC/NWD), as well as tribal organizations.
Funding Reauthorized Through FY 2030:
- State Health Insurance Programs (SHIPs): $15 million
- Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs): $15 million
- Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): $5 million
- National Coordination & Outreach: $15 million
Congresswoman Matsui has long championed efforts to strengthen Medicare, support seniors, and ensure older Americans can age with dignity. She co-chairs the House Democratic Task Force on Aging and Families.
Full text of the bill is available HERE.
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