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Klobuchar Awarded "A" Rating for Senior Health Care

Senator is a leader in making sure seniors have access to quality health care

October 27, 2008

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar’s efforts to champion improved access to quality health care for older Americans has earned her an “A” rating from the American Geriatrics Society. 
 
The Society is non-profit organization of more than 6,500 health care professionals devoted to improving the health, independence and quality of life of older people.  The Society issues an annual report card to grade members of Congress on their support of legislation aimed at ensuring access to quality health care for America’s seniors.  This includes support for Medicare, medical research on aging and geriatric training for health care professionals.

“Medicare is by far one of our most successful programs of the past 50 years,” said Klobuchar.  “It’s absolutely essential to the health and well-being of America’s 44 million seniors.  My priority is not only to preserve Medicare, but also to make it more effective by improving incentives for quality care and outcomes.”

"Senator Klobuchar has an exemplary record of advancing legislation aimed at ensuring that the growing number of older Americans have access to quality and cost-effective health care," said American Geriatrics Society President John B. Murphy, MD. "Not only has Senator Klobuchar co-sponsored the Geriatric Assessment and Chronic Care Coordination Act, she has consistently supported legislation essential to the health and wellbeing of older people. With the number of older Americans expected to double -- to 70 million -- over the next two decades, such legislation is absolutely imperative."
 
As a leader on senior issues, Klobuchar has also introduced federal legislation to assist families who care for aging family members and to protect consumers who purchase long-term care insurance policies.
 
Senator Klobuchar also chaired a Congressional Joint Economic Committee hearing about the impact of care giving responsibilities on families and employers.
 
In coming years, the United States and Minnesota will experience an “age wave” as the Baby Boom generation begins to retire and more people live into their 80s and beyond.  Minnesota’s population over age 65 is projected to double between 2000 and 2030, as will the number of Minnesotans over age 85. Currently, about 92 percent of long-term care for seniors in Minnesota is provided by family members.
 
“Elder care is just emerging as a challenge for America’s families in much the same way child care did in the 1970s,” said Klobuchar. “When you look at what’s happening to people my age, we’re struggling to take care of our own kids at the same time many of our parents are beginning to need care and assistance, too.”
 
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