S. 2762: Supporting Our Seniors Act

This bill, known as the Supporting Our Seniors Act, proposes the establishment of a new body called the Commission on Long-Term Care. The main objectives and operations of this Commission include the following key points:

Establishment of the Commission

The bill establishes a Commission on Long-Term Care with the aim of addressing various issues related to long-term care services for seniors and those requiring additional support.

Composition of the Commission

• The Commission will consist of 12 members:
• 6 appointed by the President
• 2 by the Speaker of the House
• 1 by the minority leader of the House
• 2 by the majority leader of the Senate
• 1 by the minority leader of the Senate
• Members should have relevant experience in areas such as palliative care, hospice care, home and community-based services, labor and workforce development, aging, caregiving, long-term care insurance, and senior housing.

Commission Operations

• The Commission must hold its first meeting within 60 days following the majority of appointments.
• Members serve renewable terms of 6 years (for Presidential appointees) and 4 years (for others).
• The President will select a chairperson from among the members of the Commission.

Responsibilities of the Commission

The Commission is required to:

• Submit policy recommendations annually to Congress and the public, with a focus on:
• Long-term care coverage options, especially for those not eligible for Medicaid.
• Housing and care options that allow seniors to age in place.
• Financial solutions for low- and middle-income individuals seeking long-term care.
• Support for caregivers and workforce stability in care services.
• Comprehensive care accessibility, including geriatric and palliative care.
• Affordability of long-term care services.
• Considerations for non-senior adults with disabilities.
• Support for adult children caring for aging parents.
• Integration of basic services and community support.
• Reducing hospitalization costs through home-based care options.

Engagement with Stakeholders

The Commission is expected to regularly consult with various groups, including stakeholders from the aging community, the Medicare and Medicaid advisory commissions, and state aging agencies while developing its recommendations.

Federal Agency Response

After recommendations are made, any affected Federal agency must respond with its plans to address those recommendations within 6 months.

Authority of the Commission

The Commission will have the authority to hold hearings, gather information from federal agencies, and conduct its activities using remote technology as needed. It can also accept donations for its operations, which must be publicly disclosed.

Personnel Matters

• The Commission can appoint an executive director and necessary staff without being bound by standard civil service rules, though this role will require confirmation by the Commission members.
• They will be entitled to travel expenses for their duties.
• Federal employees may be detailed to support the Commission without losing their civil service status.

Termination of the Commission

The Commission will terminate 10 years after the enactment of this Act, unless extended by Congress.

Funding

The bill authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds to support the activities of the Commission.

Relevant Companies

None found.