Newsweek Opinion Piece: HHS Cuts Pose Threat to Older Americans' Health and Safety
Newsweek has published an opinion piece, "HHS Cuts Pose Threat to Older Americans' Health and Safety," written by Education Development Center's Kristin Lees Haggerty and JAHF's Scott Bane.
The authors discuss the impact of the March 2025 Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) budget cuts, noting that far more attention needs to be focused on the disproportionate impact the cuts could have on older adults.
Older adults heavily rely on HHS services, the authors note. "Older Americans will feel these cuts acutely. The urgency for our concern is compounded by looming changes at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as well as the dismantling of the Administration for Community Living—the primary administrator of Older Americans Act programs, which funds critical services like Meals on Wheels and respite for family caregivers."
The cuts will also threaten elder abuse prevention efforts, increasing the risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation among older adults.
The article calls for federal oversight and coordination to mitigate these impacts and ensure quality care for older adults.
Read the article.
