DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and Seniors Council Chair Steve Regenstreif released the following statement to recognize the 59th Anniversary of the Older Americans Act: 

“1965 was a historic year for American seniors. Before Democrats created Medicare and Medicaid to provide health and long-term care services, they passed the Older Americans Act.  The OAA, which was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson, created critical financial, medical, and civil rights protections for seniors and their families. Seniors have worked their entire lives to uplift their communities and provide for their loved ones. Through the OAA, we can ensure that every American can age with the dignity and financial security that they deserve. 

“President Biden and Democrats are working every day to build on the Older Americans Act and honor its mission.  He provided steady guidance that prioritized older Americans. He ensured seniors were among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and invested $1.4 billion in programs authorized under the Older Americans Act to combat poverty among seniors and expand health services. President Biden is making historic investments in senior health care. Under his leadership, we capped the cost of insulin at $35 per month for seniors, capped out out-of-pocket Medicare costs at $2000 per year, and made hearing aids available over the counter without a prescription.

“ President Biden will fight for seniors, provide for your grandparents, and support caretakers. As we acknowledge the hard work our elders have done to create a better future for the rest of us, we must also focus on protecting their livelihoods. Whether it is capping Medicare costs, acknowledging the unique health risks seniors face, or protecting social security, President Biden has stood by our older Americans. This November, it is our responsibility to support the only candidate with a proven track record of protecting our elders, President Joe Biden. Let’s stand together and ensure a dignified and secure future for our seniors.”