Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) helped pass the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, which funds a number of programs essential to San Diego seniors. This bipartisan victory will increase funding for these programs over three years and give certainty to Serving Seniors, Meals on Wheels of Greater San Diego, the County of San Diego, and others who provide services for San Diego seniors.

“In San Diego and across the country, seniors and their families depend on the programs included in the Older Americans Act for health care, meals, and other essential services. These programs help ensure that our seniors are able to age with dignity. This is how Congress is supposed to work – both parties, working together to help those who need and rely on the federal government the most.”

The legislation also included additional resources for programs to combat elder abuse and exploitation. Congressman Peters and his staff have held a number of Senior Scam Seminars across San Diego in conjunction with the County of San Diego and the Contractors State License Board to give seniors the tools to protect themselves from fraud.

“These seminars are one of the ways my office gets things done and helps our constituents without an act of Congress,” Peters added. “The bill we passed today, however, gets at important priorities that no one member can accomplish alone, like how to reduce fraud and abuse in our Medicare system. This will help reduce costs and keep Medicare more sustainable in the long run.”

Rep. Peters speaks in support of the Older Americans Reauthorization Act.

Key Provisions of the Older Americans Reauthorization Act:

• Reauthorizes programs under the Older Americans Act of 1965 for three years and increases authorized funding levels for all currently funded programs over the FY 2016 levels.
• Strengthens laws to prevent elder abuse
• Improves and expands eligibility for the National Family Caregiver Support Program
• Cuts down on Medicare fraud and abuse
• Improves nutrition services
• Promotes modernization of senior centers