Watson Coleman’s work in the House centers on her belief that, in the United States of America, there’s a floor below which we should never allow any child, any family, any person to fall. Knowing that millions struggle every day just to make ends meet from the first to the last of the month, her legislative work seeks to bridge the gap for these Americans, making sure that the richest nation in the world doesn’t allow millions to live below the poverty line; doesn’t allow vulnerable groups to suffer the fallout of environmental violations; doesn’t allow profit margins to define the standards or the motivations for incarceration; and doesn’t allow bias to push everyday needs like car insurance out of reach for working families.
Elder Americans have spent their lifetimes working hard and supporting their communities, big and small. That is why I strongly believe we have a responsibility to protect and support the health, welfare, and security of all our senior citizens.
Necessary medical programs and opportunities provided to seniors are often difficult to navigate, and force them to wait to access the care they need. Many health insurers require providers to obtain prior authorization for certain treatments. When overused, it can serve as an administrative burden that ultimately delays care. That is why I am proud to cosponsor the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R.3173). This bill would improve care for seniors by streamlining and standardizing the way Medicare Advantage Plans use prior authorization, and additionally increase transparency.
After spending much of their lives in the workforce, our seniors deserve comprehensive and fair social security benefits. I am a cosponsor of the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 (H.R. 82), which would repeal provisions that actively reduce Social Security benefits. This bipartisan measure would ensure those receiving government pension and disability benefits do not lose out on Social Security as a result.
I'm proud to cosponsor legislation designed to protect the security of underserved groups. One such bill is the Ruthie and Connie LGBTQ Elder Americans Act of 2022 (H.R. 7993), an amendment to the Older Americans Act of 1965. This necessary bill would protect LGBTQ+ identifying elders who are at an even greater risk of discrimination or harassment.
Respect is the least we can do for the elderly of this country and I am committed to do so through support for further legislation that protects their health, welfare and security.