As we celebrated in July, the Americans with Disabilities Act turned 35 years old this year. Other federal laws that are important to older and disabled adults hit also major milestones. The Older Americans Act (OAA) turned 60 and its Amendments and the Social Security Act turns 90. Social Security retirement income supports people in NY aged 65+ to the tune of $1.049 million annually. In 2021, Social Security Income, which is complemented modestly by the State, provided $348,477,000 to allow poor and disabled children and adults without sufficient work history for other programs. Medicaid and Medicare, which provide health insurance for disabled and older people, turned 60 this year.
Each of these laws represent a system of support that has been built up and implemented over decades. Access to income, health insurance, and aging and caregiver services and supports are naturally critical to many people.
The federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” included significant cuts and changes to Medicaid, SNAP, and grants that fund various disability support programs. At the Association on Aging in New York we know that any cuts to aging and disability service are bad for society. Cuts to Medicaid mean a greater strain on aging services which are meant to serve those with the greatest economic and social need. If those with the greatest needs are no longer served by Medicaid or SNAP, those who are age- and resource-eligible will turn to aging services, which are already unable to meet demand.
This is why the Association is advocating to not only preserve aging services but increase investment. We must continue investing in the Older Americans Act, especially given the changes enacted by the budget bill. Changes to Medicaid and SNAP will increase hardship among older adults. For this purpose, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand reintroduced the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act which renews funding for the OAA and strengthens services for older adults.
Significantly more OAA funding is necessary to make sure the aging services network can support people in need and meet rising demand. At the same time, we will continue to educate our elected officials about the impact of changes social services more broadly on the people who need them most. Please visit the Association’s easy-to-use advocacy tool to add your voice to many who know we need to preserve critical services.
Opinions expressed are solely those of the writer(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Able News at The Viscardi Center and/or The Viscardi Center.