Assistant Secretary Josefina Carbonell Testifies on Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act at the U.S. House Subcommittee on Select Education Hearing

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Select Education held a hearing on May 2 to discuss potential legislation to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA). In her testimony Assistant Secretary Carbonell indicated that over the last forty years the OAA and the aging services network had produced a wide array of innovative programs to help older Americans retain their independence in the community. But she stated, “We must look forward to the changing realities facing our nation.” Some of these realities include increasing numbers of people living longer and the expanded demand for long-term care. The components of the Administration’s Choices for Independence (Choices) reauthorization proposal were outlined: empowering consumers, targeting high-risk individuals and building prevention into long-term care. Choices aims to help non-Medicaid eligible elderly take greater control of their long-term care and to empower middle-aged individuals plan ahead for their long-term care. Assistant Secretary Carbonell stated, “The aging services network created by the OAA and led by AoA is well positioned to help ensure the modernization of long-term care in our country.”

Click here for Assistant Secretary's Testimony at the U.S. House Subcommittee on Select Education testimony.

To view the Choices for Independence Proposal, please visit the AoA website at Choices for Independence.

The technical clarifying proposals can be found at Technical Clarifying Amendments.

Addition information:

• Hearing on Seniors Independence Act of 2006.
• View webcast.
• Key Proposed Changes In House Bill Related To Choices For Independence
• Press Release on House Bill

Choices for Independence
Older Americans Act Reauthorization Proposal
And Technical Clarifying Amendments

The Administration on Aging is pleased to present Choices for Independence (Choices), our proposal for the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (Act). Choices, a $28 million demonstration project, builds on the mission and success of the Act and aims to strengthen and modernize its role in promoting consumer choice, control, and independence in long-term care.

The reauthorization package also includes technical amendments which clarify some of the issues that were raised in earlier listening sessions conducted by Assistant Secretary Carbonell. To view the Choices for Independence Proposal, please visit the AoA website at Choices for Independence.

The technical clarifying proposals can be found at Technical Clarifying Amendments.