The Health Care Rights Law, or Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, is the federal law that prohibits discrimination in health care. A federal law bans discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, and disability, specifically in health programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.
The Older Americans Act is a federal law enacted in 1965 that addresses the social and nutritional needs of Americans aged 60 and over. It administers numerous programs nationwide, such as home-delivered and congregate meals, caregiver support, preventive health services, and transportation.
The Age Discrimination Act is another body of legislation that prohibits age-based discrimination in activities receiving federal financial assistance. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act also shields individuals aged 40 and above from discrimination in any aspect of employment.
Seniors are also protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires equal opportunities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, government services, and telecommunications.
Regarding financial matters, there is the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which guards against unwanted solicitations and misleading uses of telephonic and electronic communications. It is vital protection for seniors as they are commonly targeted for financial scams.
Moreover, there are housing laws, such as the Fair Housing Act and the Housing for Older Persons Act, that protect seniors’ access to comfortable, fair, and safe housing.
Overall, there is a combination of legal statutes and provisions that protect healthcare rights and privacy and prevent discrimination among seniors.
Resources for Seniors
Along with this, other programs protect seniors from elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation and actively work to advocate for seniors. Some of the following organizations include:
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.
National Council on Aging delivers resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure that every person can age with health and financial security.
CARIE provides direct assistance to elders, their families, and professionals in the aging field.
LASPD works to stop unsecured creditors from threatening individuals whose income is protected by law.
Justice in Aging is a national non-profit legal advocacy organization that fights senior poverty through law.
National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care works with consumers on issues related to long-term care, helping to ensure that consumers are empowered to advocate for themselves.
American Society on Aging promotes actionable change in ageism and culture, economic security, justice, and equity.
National Center on Elder Abuse provides the latest information and resources on research, training, policy, and best practices on preventing and responding to elder mistreatment.
Pension Rights Center is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan consumer organization that protects and promotes the retirement security of workers, retirees, and their families.
Senior Medicare Patrol empowers and assists Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers in preventing, detecting, and reporting healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse.
SAGE is a national advocacy and services organization that’s been looking out for LGBTQ+ elders since 1978.
NHCOA is a national organization working to improve the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families, and their caregivers.
NICOA is a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 by members of the National Tribal Chairmen’s Association, helping aging American Indian and Alaska Native elders.
Administration on Aging is the principal agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designated to carry out the provisions of the Older Americans Act of 1965.
Alzheimer’s Association works to address Alzheimer’s and other dementia through global research, risk reduction, early detection, and care support.
National Domestic Violence Hotline is a nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention, information, and referrals to victims of domestic violence, friends, and families. Reach the Hotline 24 hours a day at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.