#USA #Arlington #HHS #National Council on Aging #Ramsey Alwin

NCOA Urges Continued Commitment from HHS for Older Adults

The National Council on Aging (NCOA), under the guidance of President and CEO Ramsey Alwin, has voiced a critical appeal to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the restructuring of programs vital for older Americans. As a significant demographic shift takes place with over 11,000 individuals turning 65 each day, the sustainability and integrity of programs designed for older adults cannot afford any interruption.

The Importance of Evidence-Based Programs

NCOA's statement highlights the urgency for evidence-based programs that directly contribute to the health and well-being of older citizens and their caretakers. These programs have been shown to be not only effective but also cost-efficient, resulting in significant savings in healthcare expenses while supporting the broader goals of initiatives like Make America Healthy Again.

Among the key programs emphasized by NCOA are:

• - Chronic Disease Management: Developed by Stanford University, this program assists participants in managing chronic conditions effectively. It is reported to save approximately $714 per participant annually by reducing emergency room visits and hospital admissions. Moreover, if implemented for just 5% of the adults with chronic conditions, it could lead to an estimated $3.3 billion in healthcare savings.

• - Falls Prevention: Programs like Otago and Tai Chi have been validated through research to significantly decrease the rate of falls and their associated healthcare costs, potentially saving up to $530 per individual. Researchers estimate that adopting these interventions could prevent around 45,000 medically treated falls yearly and save nearly $442 million in direct medical costs.

• - Access to Medicare: Connecting older adults to Medicare Part D ensures they can afford their prescription medications. According to research by the National Bureau of Economic Research, having drug insurance through Medicare Part D leads to an 8% reduction in hospital admissions, a 7% decrease in Medicare expenditures, and a 12% reduction in overall resource utilization.

A Call to Action

NCOA's longstanding collaboration with federal partners aims to enhance the economic and health status of older Americans. As HHS undergoes its restructuring process, Alwin urges that the continuity of key programs is essential in equipping older adults to maintain their health and independence. This collaboration is crucial to ensuring that no one is left without access to essential services.

Conclusion

For 75 years, the NCOA has championed the rights of all individuals to age healthily, regardless of their background or circumstances. By advocating for the preservation and support of significant health programs, they aim at a future where older adults can live sustainably with dignity and independence. As the population of older adults grows, it becomes increasingly important for organizations and government entities alike to prioritize their health and well-being.

To learn more about NCOA's efforts visit www.ncoa.org and follow them on social media @NCOAging.