Issue Position: Seniors
Issue Position
Maryland is home to over 735,000 seniors, nearly 10,000 of whom, live in Silver Spring and Takoma Park. I support efforts to help our senior's live prosperous and comfortable lives, and will advocate ensuring the proper programs are in place to secure their health and wellbeing.
Supporting and Strengthening the Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP)
The Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP) provides subsidies to moderate-income Maryland residents who are eligible for Medicare and are enrolled in a prescription drug plan. Since its creation in 2005, the SPDAP program has expanded every year, demanding more and more funding from the State.
I understand this program is vital to helping seniors afford much needed medications and prescriptions. I fully support SPDAP, and will fight to continue full funding of the program.
Building Villages of Support
Today in Takoma Park, activist residents have taken the initiative to create support networks to assist those who want to age in place and remain in their communities. These networks, affectionately known as "villages," connect seniors with county and State services and assist with everyday tasks like driving people to doctors' appointments and grocery shopping. I support the Takoma Park City Council's decision to provide financial support to the village concept by providing funding for a halftime village coordinator, and will work to bring State resources to support this initiative.
Consumer and Fraud Protection for Our Seniors
Maryland seniors fall victim to savvy scammers every day. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, 56% to 80% of fraudulent telemarketers intentionally target dial senior citizens. Some of the most common scams Maryland senior citizens have fallen victim to include charity scams, Medicare Discount Card Scams,prize & sweepstakes scams, prescription drug scams, telemarking fraud, and identity theft. I support efforts to prevent marketing ploys and scammer's intent on taking advantage of our seniors, and will push legislation that outlaws fraudulent advertising practices and stiffens penalties for those who take advantage of our seniors through deceptive practices.
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