On March 11, 2021, the fifth COVID-19 relief package, the American Rescue Plan (H.R. 1319), was signed into law. The law, totaling $1.9 trillion, provides states, local, tribal, and US territory governments $360 billion in aid and includes a number of additional provisions and investments that will significantly improve access to health care and increase economic security for older adults during the pandemic. Justice in Aging created a summary for advocates outlining the parts of the law that improve the lives of older adults by expanding financial relief and basic needs supports, access to affordable health care, advancing equity—all of which are significant.
