H.R. 8060: Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2026, aims to reauthorize funding for programs that prevent, investigate, and prosecute elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It addresses several key areas related to elder justice and support for vulnerable older populations.

Reauthorization of Funding

The bill proposes to allocate federal funds to various programs over several fiscal years (2027-2030), with a total of approximately $410 million each year available for the prevention and investigation of elder abuse. This funding supports several initiatives:

Nursing Home Worker Training Grants

• The bill provides states with grants to train nursing home workers to better address and prevent elder abuse.
• States will receive funding based on the number of residents aged 65 and older in each state.
• A portion of these grants will be reserved for Indian tribes and tribal organizations.

Adult Protective Services and Grant Programs

• The legislation supports direct funding to adult protective services, enhancing their ability to respond to cases of abuse.
• It allocates additional funding specifically for Indian tribes and tribal organizations to enhance their protective services.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs

The bill also increases support for long-term care ombudsman programs, which advocate for the rights of residents in long-term care facilities. This includes funding for training and resources to improve the protection of elder residents.

Incentives for Legal and Medical Partnerships

It proposes establishing medical-legal partnerships to ensure connections between health services and legal assistance for older adults, addressing various needs that may arise from abuse or neglect.

Community-Based Programs

• Grants will be available for community organizations to develop programs that mitigate social isolation and loneliness among older adults.
• The initiatives may include outreach programs and community-based interventions to better connect at-risk individuals with services.

Funding Appropriations

A detailed funding structure is outlined in the bill, with specified amounts allocated for grants each year, enhancing the overall budget for elder abuse prevention initiatives substantially compared to previous years.

Reporting and Accountability

• States will be required to report on how they allocate the funding and the outcomes of the programs supported by these grants.
• The Secretary of Health and Human Services will also report periodically on the effectiveness of the overall initiatives and may recommend future funding levels and policies based on findings.

Definitions and Clarifications

The bill also clarifies specific terms related to eligibility for the programs, such as defining "eligible individuals" who can receive services and "eligible settings" where services may be provided, which include skilled nursing facilities and hospice care.

Relevant Companies

• AMGN (Amgen Inc.): As a biotechnology company that may engage in elder care-related healthcare solutions, Amgen could be implicated by changes in healthcare financing and regulation associated with elder care.
• HUM (Humana Inc.): As a health insurance company, Humana might be affected by new regulations and funding affecting elder care programs.
• UNH (UnitedHealth Group Incorporated): This health insurer could face adjustments in coverage policies and regulations in response to the changes proposed in this bill.