Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), both members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, on September 3 introduced the Geriatrics Workforce Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation that seeks to reauthorize two programs: the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) and the Geriatrics Academic Career Awards (GACA). Both are set to expire at the end of the fiscal year.

The bill proposes $48.2 million annually for five years to support these programs, which are the only federal initiatives specifically designed to address the growing shortage of geriatrics-trained health professionals.

GWEP funds 42 grantees nationwide to train health professionals and caregivers in geriatrics, while GACA supports junior faculty in developing expertise in geriatric education and clinical care.

LeadingAge’s LTSS Center @UMass Boston plays a key role in supporting GWEP grantees. The Center is currently helping 19 GWEP programs across the country collaborate with nursing homes to establish apprenticeship programs for certified nursing assistants.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the aging services workforce by improving recruitment, retention, and training. LeadingAge supports the reauthorization of these critical programs, but notes it is also crucial that the programs are adequately funded.

The FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education (Labor-HHS) appropriations bill was released by the House Appropriations Committee on September 1 and marked up in subcommittee on September 2.

A full committee markup is expected on September 9. The House bill proposes significant cuts to public health and workforce programs. Meanwhile, the Senate advanced its version of the Labor-HHS bill out of committee in July, which proposes higher funding levels than the House.