WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Older Americans Act, which supports services like home delivered meals and transportation assistance for millions of seniors across the country, is up for re-authorization by the end of the federal budget year. 

"The Older Americans Act was created back in 1965 at the same time that Medicare and Medicaid were created, and it was a companion bill to really help look at all the services and supports that older adults would need to stay healthy and independent aging in their home and in their community," said President and CEO of the National Council on Aging Ramsey Alwin.

Florida has more than 6.3 million residents ages 60 and up. The National Council on Aging says nationally, 11,000 people turn 65-years of age per day, stressing the need for re-authorization.  

NCOA is opposing cuts sought by House Republicans. "The authorization level of the Older Americans Act is upward of $2.5 billion, and on an annual basis, Congress does need to determine how much will be appropriated based on that authorization level. But again, given these historic demographics of individuals turning 65 this year and into the next several years, it's so important that we revisit that funding level in the authorization and at a minimum double it," Alwin said. 

NCOA also says it's not just seniors themselves that benefit from the Older Americans Act. "It also includes programs related to caregivers and respite care for families. So, it's really incredibly comprehensive when it comes to the range of services and supports," Alwin said. 

The Older Americans Act was last re-authorized in 2020. The next deadline for Congress to act is Sept. 30.