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NCOA Commends Senators for Supporting Low-Income Medicare Enrollment

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has recently expressed its strong approval of the efforts made by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) to introduce crucial legislation aimed at reauthorizing funding for low-income Medicare beneficiaries. This bill, known as S. 2466, seeks to provide a five-year extension of critical funding that enables low-income individuals to access financial assistance programs associated with their Medicare benefits.

In a press release dated July 25, 2025, NCOA highlighted that a staggering 4.7 million lower-income older adults were connected to existing Medicare assistance programs in 2023-2024. However, given that there are an estimated 20.3 million Medicare beneficiaries residing at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, securing continued federal funding is essential to ensure that these individuals receive the assistance they desperately need.

According to NCOA's President and CEO, Ramsey Alwin, the collaboration between Senators Blackburn and Blunt Rochester signifies a vital step forward in making healthcare more accessible to low-income older Americans. He stated, "We are all focused on making Americans healthier and healthcare more affordable, especially for low-income older Americans. This bill ensures that they are enrolled in the benefits they are already eligible for but are not currently receiving."

The reauthorized funding will be allocated across various entities that assist with Medicare enrollment, including State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, area agencies on aging, and aging and disability resource centers. Additionally, the National Center on Benefits Outreach and Enrollment will receive support through competitive grants directed toward community-based organizations. So far, these efforts have successfully established 87 state and local Benefits Enrollment Centers across 38 states, helping to implement strategies that effectively reach and enroll eligible older Americans.

Many older adults may not understand until it’s too late that Medicare comes with costs, as it isn't entirely free. For those individuals on fixed incomes, this lack of understanding can lead to challenging decisions regarding healthcare. Consequently, low-income older adults often have to make difficult choices, such as limiting necessary medical visits or foregoing essential medications to prioritize basic living expenses. Statistics show that individuals who qualify for assistance generally have incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level (approximately $21,870/year) along with non-housing assets lower than $15,160. The absence of programs like the Medicare Saving Programs and the Part D Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help) could deprive millions of beneficiaries of essential healthcare services, especially as the landscape of out-of-pocket costs becomes increasingly burdensome.

Congress is urged to act swiftly to ensure the continuation of funding for this vital program that impacts millions of older Americans, especially those located in rural and underserved communities. The forthcoming legislation spearheaded by Senators Blackburn and Blunt Rochester stands as a beacon of hope for this often-overlooked demographic, aiming to alleviate some of the financial strain they experience while accessing necessary healthcare services.

NCOA, established in 1950, remains at the forefront of advocacy for older adults, advocating for their right to age with dignity, health, and financial security. Through various partnerships and outreach initiatives, NCOA works tirelessly to promote resources and awareness surrounding assistance programs, ensuring the rights of older citizens are safeguarded and upheld. As this legislation progresses, it represents not just a policy change, but a commitment to improving the quality of life for senior citizens across the nation. For more updates, follow them on social media at @NCOAging.