Aging Well: News & Insights for Seniors and Caregivers
- SNAP funding shortfall risks leaving millions, including 8 million seniors, without November food assistance unless contingency funds are used.
- Medicare Plan Finder added a provider directory; users should verify network accuracy with providers and can use a temporary SEP through 2026 if errors occur.
- A national poll finds 84% support continued federal funding for the Older Americans Act, backing services that help older adults age at home.
From DC is Justice in Aging’s weekly roundup of national news and resources about issues impacting older adults. To receive From DC in your inbox as soon as its published, sign up for our mailing list.
Here’s what we’re watching in Washington:
Millions at Risk of Losing SNAP Food Assistance in November
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently sent a memo to states, warning that funding for SNAP food assistance will be insufficient to pay full November SNAP benefits if the government shutdown continues.
This news has led to at least 25 states informing SNAP households that they will not receive their benefits next month. However, advocates are calling on USDA to use contingency and other available funds to provide partial or full benefits to SNAP households in November.
Over 40 million low-income people – including 8 million seniors – rely on SNAP food assistance to afford groceries. Learn more about SNAP and other programs supporting older adults’ basic needs.
New Medicare Plan Finder Provider Directory and Temporary Special Enrollment Period
This month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) added a provider directory feature to Medicare Plan Finder. This feature is meant to help people shopping for Medicare plans determine whether their providers are in-network for a certain plan.
Advocates, however, should urge clients to use caution when using this feature and double-check information with providers given reported errors with the directories.
If a person relies on the Medicare Plan Finder provider directory and later discovers a mistake, a new temporary Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allows that person to change plans outside of other enrollment periods. This SEP is only available through the end of 2026. To use this SEP, Medicare enrollees should call 1-800-MEDICARE.
New Poll Shows Bipartisan Support for Older Americans Act Programs
A new national poll shows that an overwhelming 84% of U.S. adults are in favor of continued federal funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA). The OAA makes grants to state and local organizations that provide services such as meal delivery, caregiver support, and legal assistance, all with the goal of helping older adults age at home.
The survey, commissioned by The John A. Hartford Foundation, shows support for OAA-funded programs is high regardless of age, race, location, or political affiliation. The Senate introduced S.2120, the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025 in June, and it is still pending.
Learn more about the OAA and insights from the poll in this resource by the John A. Hartford Foundation.
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