President Trump's Efforts to Protect America's Seniors from COVID-19

President Trump's administration has taken critical steps to ensure the safety and well-being of America's seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the outbreak continues to spread, the President has directed federal agencies to prioritize emergency assistance to vulnerable populations, including the elderly. The administration has implemented various initiatives to provide seniors with access to healthcare resources, enhance inspections of nursing homes, and establish a commission to improve safety and quality in these facilities.

Key Takeaways:

• The President has directed FEMA to send supplemental shipments of personal protective equipment to all 15,400 Medicaid and Medicare-certified nursing homes in America.
• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing States with $81 million from the CARES Act to increase their inspections of nursing homes.
• A new rule will require nursing homes to report COVID-19 cases directly to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and post testing data online.
• The Administration has established the Coronavirus Commission for Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes, composed of industry experts, doctors, and advocates.
• The President released the "Opening Up America Again" guidelines, instructing States to protect the safety of senior citizens and other vulnerable populations.
• The Administration increased Medicare telehealth coverage, allowing beneficiaries to receive healthcare services from home.
• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced nearly $1 billion in grants to assist older adults and people with disabilities, providing services such as home-delivered meals and in-home care.

Statistics:

• $81 million: The amount of funding provided to States by CMS to increase inspections of nursing homes.
• 15,400: The number of Medicaid and Medicare-certified nursing homes in America receiving supplemental shipments of personal protective equipment.
• $1.9 billion: The savings in premiums for Medicare Part D prescription drug prices over the past three years.
• Fast Facts: President Trump has signed legislation providing funding for emergency nutritional aid to vulnerable Americans, including senior citizens.

Sources:

• Fact Sheet: PROTECTING OUR OLDER PEOPLE (White House, May 1)
• "Opening Up America Again" guidelines (White House, date not specified)
• Executive Order on Improving Healthcare for Older Americans (The White House, March 11, 2020)
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
• Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)