U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) have introduced the Supporting Our Seniors Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at creating a National Advisory Commission to evaluate long-term care services for seniors. The commission would be tasked with developing recommendations to improve these services, increase accessibility, and address challenges specific to long-term care.
“Access to affordable and reliable resources specifically designed to empower Arkansas seniors is a critical part of effective, long-term care,” said Boozman. “I am proud to help lead a bipartisan approach to prioritize the needs of our growing aging population and empowering Americans and their trusted caregivers to better support their overall quality of life.”
Rosen highlighted her personal experience caring for her parents as motivation for supporting the legislation. “Having cared for my aging parents, I know how important access to affordable, quality care and support services can be for families and their loved ones,” said Rosen. “I also know that with rising costs, finding these services has become even more difficult for Nevada families. I’m committed to expanding access to care for seniors — that’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan bill to help provide valuable information to Congress so that we can ensure seniors have access to the care and support that they deserve.”
The bill has received endorsements from several organizations in the field of elder care. Rachel Bunch, Executive Director of the Arkansas Health Care Association (ACHA), stated: “The Arkansas Health Care Association applauds the Supporting Our Seniors Act, and thanks Senator Boozman and Senator Rosen for their leadership. This bipartisan commission on long-term care will help strengthen nursing facilities, support caregivers, and ensure seniors in Arkansas and across the nation receive the quality care they deserve.”
Dr. Steve Landers, CEO of the National Alliance for Care at Home, commented: “Every American deserves the opportunity to age with dignity and on their own terms. The Alliance celebrates the Supporting Our Seniors Act and commends Senators Rosen and Boozman for their leadership in advancing home and community-based care solutions. This bipartisan commission represents an important step toward building a care continuum that honors patient choice and ensures high-quality care delivery.”
Kristina Newport, M.D., HMDC FAAHPM, Chief Medical Officer of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine added: “The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine is proud to offer its strong support for the Supporting Our Seniors Act, and we commend Sen. Rosen and Sen. Boozman for their leadership in recognizing the important role palliative care plays in improving the lives of people with complex care needs. As our population ages, seniors and their families need more support to help them live as well as possible. This Act is critical to better align resources with what matters most to vulnerable people in our communities.”
