Upton-led bill aims to keep U.S. seniors out of poverty

A bipartisan bill recently offered by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) would extend financial protections to America’s senior citizens who are receiving long-term care either at home or in a community care setting.

“Our seniors are some of our most vulnerable citizens, and we need to ensure they and their families have the financial protections they deserve to have the quality of life they deserve,” Rep. Upton said. “Our bill has strong bipartisan support, and we cannot waste any time trying to move this through the Congress. Our seniors are counting on it.”

Rep. Upton on March 9 sponsored the Protecting Married Seniors from Impoverishment Act, H.R. 1717, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI). If enacted, the bill would amend the Social Security Act to make permanent the protections under Medicaid against spousal impoverishment for seniors receiving at-home or community-based services, according to the congressional record bill summary.

“Spousal impoverishment protections are critical in helping families stay together in their homes and communities without going broke,” said Rep. Dingell. “That’s why we must make them permanent.” 

H.R. 1717 includes a community spouse resource allowance, exclusion of a community spouse’s Income, and a minimum monthly needs allowance, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Upton’s office.

The bill has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.