In the longest State of the Union (SOTU) Address in American history, President Trump stated, “We’re working to make it easier for Americans to save for retirement. And under this administration, we will always protect Social Security and Medicare.” 

Speaking in front of both chambers of Congress and millions of Americans viewing from their homes or other venues on February 24, 2026, the President addressed a variety of topics, including his Administration’s plan to address health care.

He touted his “Great Healthcare Plan” that aims to lower drug prices, reduce premiums, and increase price transparency. Unveiled in January 2026, this plan attempts to replace certain American Care Act (ACA) subsidies, a partisan standoff that caused the government to shut down last fall.   

In addition, President Trump spoke on the administration’s efforts to lower the burden of saving for retirement, stating that they will “always protect Social Security and Medicare,” and criticized Democratic lawmakers for not “protecting it for our seniors.” He stated that next year, all American workers will have access to the same type of retirement plan offered to federal workers, with the federal government matching 401(k) contributions up to $1,000 each year. However, implementing this plan requires Congressional approval, with the White House saying it could expand the Secure Act 2.0, an existing law passed in 2022 that takes effect in 2027.  

Although the retirement benefit proposed by President Trump could be relevant to many in the aging services workforce, it does little to address the more immediate challenges they face – most notably, chronically low wages driven largely by inadequate Medicare Advantage and Medicaid reimbursement rates. 

Additionally, he addressed homeownership accessibility nationwide, citing an executive order he signed in January, “Stopping Wall Street from Competing with Main Street Homebuyers” and called on Congress to permanently ban investment firms from purchasing single-family homes.  

President Trump also tasked Vice President JD Vance with leading the “war on fraud,” stating that if enough fraud is found, we’ll have a “balanced budget overnight.”

This statement comes at the heels of the Medicaid fraud investigation in Minnesota, and the Administration’s ongoing attempts to uncover waste, fraud, and abuse.  

LeadingAge recently engaged with the CMS administrator on fraud in hospice and home health and has been tracking the statements, actions, and potential actions across our continuum of care, including in the Medicaid program.

In addition, we support ongoing conversations on affordable housing, retirement security, and accessible health care, and emphasizes the importance of elevating the needs of older adults.