Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025
Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025 — Plain Language Summary **What This Bill Does** This bill would renew and update federal programs that serve seniors aged 60 and older through 2030. It extends funding for key services including meal delivery programs (like Meals on Wheels), counseling about pensions and retirement benefits, elder abuse prevention, and support for tribal seniors. A notable change allows states to offer takeout meals at senior centers and community locations, a practice that became common during COVID-19 lockdowns. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily impacts seniors, particularly those with low incomes who rely on government-funded services.
It also affects Native American tribal organizations that serve elderly members, as well as state and local agencies that administer these programs. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and is currently in committee. It has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025This bill reauthorizes through FY2030, modifies, and establishes programs under the Older Americans Act, which supports social services and activities for individuals aged 60 years or older.Reauthorized programs and activities includethe national eldercare locator service;regional aging and disability resource centers;grants to support counseling and assistance on pensions and other retirement benefits;grants to support home-delivered nutrition services (sometimes referred to as meals on wheels programs);programs to facilitate the delivery of supportive services to tribal organizations; andprograms to prevent elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The bill also modifies existing programs for older individuals, including by explicitly permitting states to use certain grant funds to make carryout meals available at congregate meal sites or community locations. (Some providers began offering carryout meals to seniors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.)Further, the bill permits the Administration on Aging to establish and operate, through grants to or contracts with eligible entities, a national resource center to support growth of the direct care workforce. The center’s activities may include the provision of training and technical assistance and the promotion of strategies to recruit and retain direct care workers. Finally, the bill establishes or reconvenes certain advisory groups, including (1) an advisory committee to provide guidance regarding the needs of older Native Americans and the implementation of related programs, and (2) a White House Conference on Aging to recommend improvements to federal programs that serve older individuals.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.