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Area Agency on Aging briefs Geary County commission on priorities: Medicare expansion, senior transportation and benefits
Summary
A representative of the Area Agency on Aging updated the commission on top priorities for older residents, including advocacy for Medicaid/Medicare expansion, senior transportation, cost-of-living adjustments for CAPER payments and senior insurance assistance.
A representative for the Area Agency on Aging gave the commission an update on the agency’s recent meeting and priorities for the coming year, including advocacy on Medicare expansion and senior transportation.
The representative said the agency discussed legislative priorities and raised concern that if Medicare expansion (as discussed at the state level) does not pass in the next legislative session it could be difficult to revive. The presenter characterized the funding split discussed at the meeting as the state paying roughly 40% and the federal government 60% on expansion-related costs, and said there is concern federal support might be reduced in future budget scenarios.
Other priorities the agency will pursue include maintaining or increasing the CAPER (senior cost-of-living) payment, supporting senior transportation programs, protecting voting access for seniors and continued support for the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and other benefits counseling.
The presenter said the agency will move its recommendations to the executive level and then to the full senior board, which will meet in Topeka in October. The presenter identified Julie as the Area Agency director driving legislative advocacy.
