On December 27, 2020, the fourth COVID-19 relief package was signed into law. The $900 billion relief package, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, was combined with a larger omnibus bill that includes annual government funding for 2021 and numerous other significant policies that impact older adults.  

Justice in Aging has created a summary for advocates that outlines the major provisions impacting low-income older adults in the COVID-19 relief package and the omnibus spending bill. While the relief package includes some important financial relief, vaccination funding, and other supports, it does not address the most urgent needs of low-income older adults in this crisis.  

Justice in Aging is ready to work with the new Administration and Congress to enact additional measures that meet the pressing needs of low-income older adults, people with disabilities, and communities of color who face disproportionate danger during this crisis. The summary also includes recommendations for what is urgently needed, including: explicitly centering racial equity in relief efforts and in policies to address those most impacted, increasing Medicaid funding for home and community services to ensure older adults can receive services they need in their homes rather than in nursing facilities, and more. 

Get the summary.  

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