Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Lori Trahan (D-MA) introduced the Safeguarding Elderly Needs for Infrastructure and Occupational Resources (SENIOR) Act on March 8 to increase access to care for older adults and support the assisted living workforce.

The bipartisan legislation directs the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to establish new, and expand existing, workforce development programs to strengthen the pipeline and incentivize the development of a stronger geriatric workforce.

The bill also establishes a “Senior Care Cost Reduction Program” that allows States to administer monthly cost reduction amounts to low-income seniors to allow them to access assisted living facilities as opposed to nursing homes.