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President Trump's Work for Seniors

Protecting America's Seniors

At the end of April, President Trump held an event to speak about the actions his Administration is taking to protect seniors during the coronavirus pandemic. The President said that country owes seniors, "a sacred and unbreakable obligation and we will fulfill that obligation with every resource and power that we have.”

See this fact sheet from the White House for complete background on action the Administration is taking to uphold this obligation:


PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP REMAINS COMMITTED TO CARING FOR OUR NATION’S SENIORS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC AND BEYOND
“We’re taking very special care of our nursing homes and our seniors.”– President Donald J. Trump


PROTECTING OUR OLDER PEOPLE: President Donald J. Trump is ensuring the safety and well-being of America’s seniors during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

  • President Trump is making sure our senior citizens remain safe and have access to the healthcare resources they need during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • In addition to the supplies we have already distributed, FEMA will send supplemental shipments of personal protective equipment to all 15,400 Medicaid and Medicare-certified nursing homes in America.
  • The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing States with $81 million from the CARES Act to increase their inspections of nursing homes at this crucial time.
  • This week, we will be finalizing a new rule requiring information about COVID-19 cases in nursing homes to be reported directly to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and testing data to be posted online.
    • The rule requires nursing homes report cases to residents and their family members.
  • The Administration is also establishing the Coronavirus Commission for Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes.
    • The commission will be composed of leading industry experts, doctors and scientists, resident and patient advocates, family members, infection and prevention control specialists, and State and local authorities.

DELIVERING CRUCIAL ASSISTANCE: The President and his Administration are prioritizing seniors and delivering vital assistance to them during this critical time.

  • The President released his “Opening Up America Again” guidelines, instructing States to take additional measures to protect the safety of senior citizens and other vulnerable populations.
  • President Trump signed historic legislation that provides funding and flexibility for emergency nutritional aid for vulnerable Americans, including senior citizens.
  • At the President’s direction, the Administration dramatically expanded Medicare telehealth coverage, allowing beneficiaries to receive healthcare services from the safety of their homes.
  • To protect senior citizens, the President directed CMS to prioritize enforcement of infectious disease standards at nursing homes across America.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced nearly $1 billion in grants to assist older adults and people with disabilities, providing services such as home delivered meals and in-home care services.

PROVIDING THE HIGHEST QUALITY CARE: These actions build on President Trump’s longstanding commitment to give seniors the best healthcare anywhere in the world.

  • President Trump’s goal is to ensure older Americans receive the best quality healthcare at the lowest price.
  • Last year, the President signed an Executive Order to improve older Americans’ healthcare and improve the fiscal sustainability of Medicare.
    • This order empowers older Americans with choice and access, streamlines approval processes, reduces regulatory burdens, and combats waste, fraud, and abuse.
  • For the third year in a row, the average basic premium for Medicare Part D prescription drug prices has declined, saving beneficiaries $1.9 billion in premiums over time.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a number of regulator waivers and rule changes yesterday to deliver expanded access to the nation’s seniors and provide flexibility to the health care system as America reopens. CMS also announced a new independent Commission that will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the nursing home response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PROTECTING OUR SENIORS & NURSING HOMES

  • Under President Trump’s leadership, the Administration has taken steps to protect senior citizens, people with disabilities, and those with preexisting conditions during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • To protect seniors, the President directed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to raise the infectious disease standards at nursing homes across America.
  • CMS has conducted target inspections throughout the healthcare system, ensuring that residents susceptible to serious complications are protected.
  • CMS announced requirements for nursing homes to inform residents and their families when COVID-19 cases arise in their facilities.
  • President Trump is delivering critical supplies and assistance for our seniors during the pandemic.
    • The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced nearly $1 billion in grants to assist older adults providing services such as home delivered meals and care services in the home.
    • President Trump signed legislation that provides free coronavirus testing through Medicare and Medicaid.

PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS ALWAYS FOUGHT FOR AMERICA’S SENIORS

  • Throughout President Trump’s administration he has worked to provide America’s seniors with better healthcare and lower drug prices.
  • The President has fought against the radical Medicare-for-None policies which would jeopardize seniors’ benefits.
  • Last year, the President signed an order to improve and protect Medicare for our Nation’s seniors, maximizing their choice and ensuring access to quality care.

President Trump has taken action to drive down drug prices for our seniors and is committed to ending the scourge of surprise billing.