The Modern Medicaid Alliance announced Lutheran Services in America, amongst other organizations, as a new partner for focusing on the health and well-being of older adults. The alliance’s press release is included below.
Washington, DC – October 15, 2020 – The Modern Medicaid Alliance announced today the addition of six new national partners representing organizations that focus on the health and well-being of adults aged 65 and older.
New Alliance partners include the Alliance for Aging Research, Justice in Aging, LeadingAge, Lutheran Services in America, National Adult Day Services Association, and National Hispanic Council on Aging. These organizations join more than 100 national and local organizations from across the country working together to educate policymakers and the public about the positive benefits and results of the Medicaid program.
Medicaid serves as a lifeline to the senior population, covering services for 7.2 million Americans 65+, including home and community-based services, nursing home care, and long-term services and supports. Medicaid coverage helps millions of Americans 65+ access the care and services that keep them as healthy as possible.
Expanding the Alliance with groups representing this population reinforces the critical role that Medicaid plays in providing Americans 65+ with access to high-quality, affordable health care. Together with our new and existing partners, the Modern Medicaid Alliance will continue to raise awareness of the vital safety net that the Medicaid program provides to millions of Americans, including those over the age of 65.
Our newest partners share their insights on the importance of Medicaid to the older adults they serve:
“As our nation continues to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19, we must prioritize the health and safety of older Americans,” said Susan Peschin, president and CEO, Alliance for Aging Research. “A strong, reliable Medicaid program is critical to overcoming this crisis and protecting the health of Americans over age 65.”
“Medicaid provides access to critical health care and long-term services and supports for older adults, and advances health equity for low-income and seniors of color,” said Kevin Prindiville, Executive Director of Justice in Aging . “Millions of older adults are already living on a fixed income and rely on Medicaid to meet their basic needs more than ever amid the current public health crisis.”
“Whether in nursing homes or in home and community-based settings, Medicaid-provided services are crucial to millions of older Americans’ well-being and quality of life,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO, LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services. “Our country’s population is aging rapidly; a strong Medicaid program is needed now more than ever.”
“As faith-based providers, we see each day the crucial importance of Medicaid for the over 60% of older adults in nursing homes, 39% of children and youth, and over 10 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who rely on it,” said Charlotte Haberaecker, President and CEO of Lutheran Services in America. “Now more than ever, Medicaid is critical for ensuring the health and well-being of millions of Americans.”
“The comprehensive health coverage provided by Medicaid is crucial to helping millions of Americans 65+ live healthy, independent lives,” said Bill Zagorski, Board Chair, National Adult Day Services Association. “The program is an integral part of the social safety net on which the aging community relies, and it must be preserved and strengthened.”
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About the Modern Medicaid Alliance
The Modern Medicaid Alliance is a partnership between Americans who value Medicaid and leading advocacy organizations. Our mission is to educate policymakers and the public about the benefits of Medicaid to the American people in terms of cost savings, health outcomes and social impact, and to highlight how Medicaid is innovating in the delivery of care – especially for America’s most vulnerable citizens – and accountability of the program.
