WASHINGTON— Today, AARP released the following statement from Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond on the U.S. House of Representatives consideration of the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, or HEROES Act, to provide further coronavirus aid:

“AARP is pleased the House HEROES Act includes important initiatives to help older Americans and their families during this extremely difficult time. The health and economic crisis caused by coronavirus is far from over, and older Americans are calling on Congress for swift action to provide additional relief. We appreciate that the HEROES Act sets the stage for the next relief package by addressing critical areas of need, and we look forward to working toward a final legislative package that includes these measures.

“The HEROES Act includes several of AARP’s priorities to improve the appalling situation in America’s nursing homes, including greater access to virtual visitation and efforts to step up quality of care, safety, and reporting in these facilities. The death toll in nursing homes has reached at least 28,100.  That’s about one-third of all U.S. COVID-19 fatalities to date—a horrific reality that demands a strong, timely response from policymakers at all levels of government.

“In addition, the bill includes expansions of food and financial assistance for those most in need, assistance to state and local governments whose budgets have been devastated, increased access to health care coverage and treatment, financial relief for those unable to work, more stimulus payments (including parity for families who are caring for dependent adults), additional funding for Older Americans Act programs, and greater pension protections.

“It is critical that these policies be at the center of bipartisan negotiations to craft the next relief package. Given the devastating impact of coronavirus on older Americans, AARP urges Congress to act quickly to address these very serious issues.”

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Media Contact: Amanda Davis, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org, @AARPMedia