Press Releases

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) highlighted the Biden-Harris administration’s release of $59,325,709 in funding for critical Older Americans Act programs as part of the American Rescue Plan she helped pass.                                                                         
“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many of the cracks in our long-term care system — disproportionately impacting our seniors and the services they rely on to age with dignity,” said Rep. Scanlon. “This funding from the American Rescue Plan will address the critical health and economic needs of older Americans.”

As Older Americans Month begins, this funding focuses on programs to support Pennsylvania seniors, with an emphasis on much-needed pandemic relief, including:

• $31,534,840 for meals for older adults in Pennsylvania.
• $19,341,369 for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) through the Older Americans Act.
• $1,850,044 for evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention in Pennsylvania.
• $6,178,991 to help family caregivers support their loved ones.
• $420,465 to safeguard the health and welfare of residents in Pennsylvania’s long-term care facilities.

House Democrats have led the fight to deliver much needed help to seniors and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to delivering $1.4 billion in funding for Older Americans Act programs through the American Rescue Plan, they ensured critical investments in the health, safety, and financial security of older Americans.

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