Gray Panthers NYC Signs on to Letter Advocating for Older Americans Act

On behalf of Gray Panthers NYC,

We are writing to you to share grave concerns regarding President Trump’s draft FY 2026 HHS budget because it includes a major threat to the ability of older adults to age well at home and in the community. The budget will dismantle and destroy the integration of the cost-effective aging programs and services under the Older Americans Act (OAA), such as those offered by our agency as well as the other 613 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that serve millions of older Americans and their caregivers around the country. The proposal also includes cuts to the home delivered meal and congregate meal program that provides life sustaining nutrition to millions of Older Americans.

The programs that are currently being targeted for elimination are services that are paramount in supporting older individuals and families. They also provide protection for the most vulnerable older individuals in the nation, and without continued funding thousands of individuals are at risk of abuse and fraud. It is imperative that these services be held harmless, as they provide for the health and safety of the older population. As an elected representative I urge you to fight for the Older Americans Act, as it provides support for your constituents each and every day.

Programs proposed for elimination:

Title IIID - evidence based programs to improve overall health, manage chronic conditions, prevent falls, etc.

Title VII Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program - provides staff and volunteers for nursing homes and residential facilities to assure quality of care on behalf of the residents.

Title VII - Elder Abuse prevention and mitigations.

Lifespan Respite to provide respite services to individuals caring for someone else.

SHIP/HIICAP - programs provide objective information and assistance that helps individuals on Medicare choose their plans and prescription plans, problem solve, and assist with benefit applications.

Additional Programs Proposed Eliminated

Adult Protective Services - investigates and helps solve elder abuse cases.

Falls Prevention programs that reduce the fear and risk of falls for older adults.

CDSME - programs to help older adults manage their chronic conditions and remain healthy.

LIHEAP - Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides assistance with heat in the winter and cooling in the summer.

CSBG - The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) provides financial assistance to states, territories, and tribes to support services aimed at alleviating poverty and improving the conditions of low-income communities.

Title V - Older worker program helps individuals age 55+ access employment and teach employment skills.

Alzheimers Disease Research

Rural Hospital Grants

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programs including Overdose Prevention

Health Care Workforce programs

National Center for chronic disease prevention and health

Cuts to Food Banks

On behalf of Gray Panthers NYC, please stand strong for the Older Americans Act that has provided services for Older Americans since 1965.

If you would like to sign on to this letter, you can do so here: https://agingny.org/