S. 473 Introduced Health

SENIOR Act

A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include screening for loneliness and coordination of supportive services and health care to address the negative health effects of loneliness, to require a report on loneliness, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL] Introduced February 6, 2025 Cosponsors 3 (2 D, 1 R) Latest action February 6, 2025

Summary

Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief Act or the SENIOR Act
This bill expands the scope of authorized Administration on Aging (AOA) grants to include services addressing loneliness in older individuals (i.e., aged 60 or older), and requires a report evaluating whether certain federal programs are adequately addressing this topic.
Under current law, the AOA provides grants to states for disease prevention and health promotion services for older individuals, including services addressing the negative health effects of social isolation. The bill expands the scope of the services eligible for these grants to include services addressing the negative health effects of loneliness.
Also, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to submit to Congress a report (1) evaluating whether its programs for older individuals are adequately addressing loneliness, and (2) recommending measures for reducing the negative health effects of loneliness and fostering multigenerational family connections. 

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Feb 6, 2025 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  2. Feb 6, 2025 Introduced in Senate

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