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Seniors

One of my top priorities is working to strengthen Medicare and Social Security. Hardworking seniors who paid into Social Security and Medicare deserve retirement security. I will continue to support measures that enhance the solvency of these critical federal programs.

I am a cosponsor of several bills to protect seniors, including the Medicare Negotiation and Competitive Licensing Act. This bill would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate drug prices and, if drug companies refuse to negotiate in good faith, it would enable the Secretary to issue a competitive license to another company to produce the medication as a generic. This will help make medications more affordable for senior citizens.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our seniors were among the most vulnerable populations to the health and economic crisis. I heard from many social security beneficiaries throughout Coastal Virginia that their economic impact payments were delayed. Eager to mitigate this issue, I joined a bipartisan letter to the Internal Revenue Service requesting that they secure automatic payments for seniors on social security ensuring they receive their payments in a timely manner. Additionally, I cosponsored the Retirement Protection Act, which would suspend the 2020 Required Minimum Distribution for retirement accounts allowing seniors to keep their retirement savings invested without penalty. I also cosponsored the COVID-19 SCAM Act, which would help protect seniors and other vulnerable individuals by imposing civil penalties on scam artists who perform fraudulent related COVID-19 calls or texts.

The high numbers of fatalities from COVID-19 at assisted living facilities motivated me to cosponsor the Assisted Living Facility Coronavirus Reporting Act. This bill would require states to report to the CDC, for each assisted living facility in the state, weekly COVID-19 data, broken down by demographic information. It would also require assisted living facilities to notify federal, state, and local health officials, as well as residents and their loved ones, within one day after confirmed COVID-19 cases and suspected outbreaks in the facility.

More on Seniors

Rep. Luria Releases Reports Showing the Inflation Reduction Act Will Lower Health Care Costs for Coastal Virginians
September 1, 2022
Press Release
Today, Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA) announced that families in Coastal Virginia will soon see lower health insurance premiums and more affordable prescription drugs for Medicare recipients thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.
Issues: Environment Health Care Seniors
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Rep. Luria Delivers Tax Cuts, Universal Preschool, and Historic Clean Energy Investments in Build Back Better Act
November 19, 2021
Press Release
Congresswoman Elaine Luria today voted for the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376), which represents the largest effort to combat climate change in American history, secures child care for roughly 500,000 Virginian children, and expands preschool access for every 3- and 4-year old in the Commonwealth. The legislation also cuts taxes for Virginian families, lowers prescription drug prices, and creates good-paying jobs without adding to the national debt.
Issues: Economy Energy Environment Health Care Infrastructure Seniors
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Rep. Luria Delivers Tax Cuts, Universal Preschool, and Historic Clean Energy Investments in Build Back Better Act
November 19, 2021
Press Release
Congresswoman Elaine Luria today voted for the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376), which represents the largest effort to combat climate change in American history, secures child care for roughly 500,000 Virginian children, and expands preschool access for every 3- and 4-year old in the Commonwealth. The legislation also cuts taxes for Virginian families, lowers prescription drug prices, and creates good-paying jobs without adding to the national debt.
Issues: Economy Energy Environment Health Care Infrastructure Seniors
Read More
ICYMI: Congresswoman Elaine Luria Participates in AARP Tele-town Hall
July 15, 2020
Press Release

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – Yesterday, Congresswoman Luria participated in an AARP tele-town hall to discuss with constituents their questions and concerns pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic and how her office can assist retired constituents during these trying times. During the town hall, participants had an opportunity to ask questions to the Congresswoman directly about the COVID-19 pandemic, including testing, relief needed for long-term care facilities, and federal economic relief programs.

Issues: Seniors
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Congresswoman Luria Votes to Protect Older Americans from Workforce Discrimination
January 15, 2020
Press Release

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Elaine Luria today announced the House passage of the Protecting Older Workers from Discrimination Act (H.R. 1230). This bipartisan bill would strengthen anti-discrimination protections for older workers to prevent ageism in the workplace.

Issues: Seniors
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