Seniors

Ensuring that senior citizens of southern West Virginia are well cared for has long been one of Congressman Rahall’s top priorities.

With more than 15 percent of West Virginians over the age of 65—the second highest percentage of any state in the Nation—significant steps must be taken to provide for the needs of our senior citizens, just as they contributed so much to West Virginia.

As the cost of health care and social services continue to skyrocket, Congressman Rahall is working hard to provide high quality care for the men and women who, through their compassion and quiet strength, have been role models to us all.  

Congressman Rahall knows that Social Security and Medicare have done more for seniors’ independence, health and financial security than any other federal initiatives.  He strongly opposes privatization of Social Security and any cut in funding to Medicare, both of which would endanger critical services for some of West Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens.

Congressman Rahall co-sponsored the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act, which would benefit all seniors enrolled in Medicare by directing the Secretary of health and Human Services to negotiate with pharmaceutical manufacturers to lower the costs of drugs, harnessing the purchasing power of millions of Medicare beneficiaries.  This bill would also create a nationwide prescription drug plan operated through Medicare, providing beneficiaries another choice when deciding which plan best meets their needs.

A long-time supporter of the American Association of Retired People (AARP), Rahall has joined AARP’s bipartisan effort to ensure that hard-working West Virginians have access to the assistance and the services they deserve and is a proud supporter of their “Divided We Fail” pledge.