Q: What is Older Americans Month?
A: Since 1963, the President has designated the month of May as Older Americans Month, to recognize the many contributions that older Americans make. The 60-plus group has changed significantly during the 44-year history of Older Americans Month. Today’s seniors are shattering the stereotypes of previous generations and re-defining their role in our society. Seniors are local leaders, professors, community servants, and business leaders. Along with new opportunities come new challenges. The theme of this year’s Older Americans Month, Older American: Making Choices for a Healthier Future, seeks to address the challenges of an aging America by spotlighting quality of life for seniors.
Q: How is the government addressing the challenges of growing senior population?
A: Seniors have a powerful voice in Washington due to their strength in numbers, as well as a well-organized lobbying effort. I’ve used my position in Congress to actively support older Americans with initiatives to help improve their well being. During my tenure in the Senate, I’ve served as head of the Aging Committee and participated in the White House Conference on Aging. In addition, as a member of the Senate’s tax writing Finance Committee, I’ve introduced legislation that would allow individuals to deduct the cost of purchasing long-term care insurance. I’ve advocated for other tax incentives intended to promote accessibility to long-term care and encouraged employers to offer long-term care insurance policies under a “cafeteria plan,” an arrangement where individuals can choose a variety of health care benefits. Along with providing incentives for securing long-term care insurance, I’ve worked to ensure the quality of long-term care. Based on reports that insurance companies were enforcing draconian policies in denying claims to long-term care policyholders, in April I asked the Government Accountability Office to review the insurance industry’s policy for claim approvals and denials and assess the industry’s adherence to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. These are important steps, but we need to continue looking ahead on behalf of seniors. Breakthroughs in medicine have allowed this demographic to live longer, healthier, and more active lives, and with 78 million baby boomers turning 65 in 2011, long-term care is just one issue of vital importance. This month gives policy makers, advocates, and eldercare providers an opportunity to focus on the future with regard to America’s seniors.