On behalf of the Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights), thank you for your bipartisan efforts to respond to the coronavirus public health emergency. As this work continues, we respectfully urge you to address the needs of older adults, people with disabilities, and their families in any forthcoming legislation.

The Medicare Rights Center is a national, nonprofit organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy, educational programs, and public policy initiatives. Our organization provides services and resources to nearly three million people with Medicare, family caregivers, and health care professionals each year.

Those we serve are at high risk of infection, serious illness, and even death from the virus. Immediate and long-term solutions are needed to ensure systems and policies are in place to anticipate and meet these needs. Below, we recommend strategies to improve Medicare enrollment, access and affordability, and prescription drug coverage; as well as to strengthen Medicaid and other programs that support community living.