Heidi Alexander: “In addition to providing grants to States for senior social and nutrition services, this reauthorization also aims to…”

“In addition to providing grants to States for senior social and nutrition services, this reauthorization also aims to continue protecting vulnerable elders from abuse by ensuring access to abuse screening and prevention through efforts like the Senior Medicare Patrol, SMP, program, which helps train seniors to recognize and protect themselves from Medicare and Medicaid fraud. The most recent inspector general report noted that the program had educated over 3.5 million beneficiaries, reached 27 million people, and saved about $106 million. The programs authorized by this law provide critical services to help Americans live with dignity well into their later years, but these services also provide a significant return on investment for taxpayers. They help decrease the increasing cost pressures on Medicare and Medicaid. These programs that help seniors stay healthy, independent, and living in their own homes also are helping seniors stay where they want to be--and that is less expensive for taxpayers than if these seniors were instead in nursing homes.”