Advocacy

FY27 Appropriations

With less than 2 months remaining before the start of FY27 on October 1, progress has been slow and unsteady in DC. The House has passed 3 of 12 annual appropriations bills, and the Senate has passed none. Once again facing a Continuing Resolution, the main question is how long? In July, the House passed a CR through Dec 4. The Senate has yet to act. The House is already back in their home districts for August recess, with the Senate joining them August 11, leaving a couple weeks for movement in the Senate.

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Federal Legislation

Congress will be on recess for the month of August. This is a good time to connect directly with your Congressional delegation while they are back home. Reach out and invite them to visit your programs or request a meeting to highlight issues important to you.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, introduce by Rep. French (R-AR) became law in July, marking the most significant federal housing legislation in decades. The law aims to increase the nation’s housing supply, improve affordability, and expand homeownership opportunities through a range of housing and financing reforms.

A resolution recognizing June 15, 2026, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was submitted by Senator Grassley (R-IO).

The Senate unanimously passed the Older Americans Act Reauthorization (S.2120). This would modestly boost funding levels and modernize parts of OAA programs. Read this article in The Hill to learn more about the OAA and how its reauthorization will impact older adults across the country.

Rep Davis (D-NC-1) introduced STOP Senior Fraud Act (H.R. 9668) which will increase the amount of time financial institutions can delay transactions to determine if it is financial exploitation or fraud.

Sen. Shaheen (D-NH) introduced the INSULIN Act of 2026 (S.4189) that will cap cost-sharing at $35 for all, regardless of health insurance coverage and provide additional protections for patients.

The House Committee on Energy & Commerce discussed several healthcare bills in their recent markup, including Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 (H.R. 3514) and Medicare Advantage Cost Transparency Act (H.R. 9392). The bills will now move to be voted on by the committee and could be included in an end of the year health package.

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Federal Agency Announcements

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed changes to how federal grants are managed. The proposal would require agencies to ensure grants align with administration priorities, allow political appointees to review grant applications, and permit grants to be terminated if they are deemed not in the national interest, with no opportunity for appeal. The proposal received more than 57,000 public comments.

On June 18, the DOJ released a legal memo reinterpreting the Olmstead decision and the ADA’s integration mandate. While the memo does not overturn Olmstead or eliminate protections under the ADA and Section 504, it signals the federal government may no longer actively enforce community living requirements. In response, more than 100 House and Senate Democrats have called on the DOJ to rescind the memo.

CMS released new guidance on Medicaid work requirements. Beginning in 2028, individuals, including those who are considered medically frail, would be required to verify their status in order to qualify for an exemption from work requirements. Comments close at the end of July.

CMS released new guidance allowing some high-performing nursing homes to be surveyed less frequently. Supporters say the change will reduce administrative burden, while advocates have raised concerns that less frequent inspections could weaken oversight and accountability.

On July 1, CMS started a short-term pilot program known as the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, allowing many Medicare beneficiaries to receive a GLP-1 prescription for weight loss for $50 a month. It will run from July 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2027 and is meant to ‘bridge’ the gap before a longer-term program that could begin in 2028.