Together with the Middle South chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, COA's Legislative/Advocacy Committee meets to discuss and advocate for issues affecting seniors and their families. James Powers, M.D. has chaired this committee for over a decade. Dr. Powers is a well-known authority on senior health issues and on TennCare. Committee members include seniors, community volunteers and representatives from several nonprofit public policy groups. Some issues frequently discussed include:
- Federal Medicare legislation
- Healthcare reform
- State home and community-based care
- Tax reform
- TennCare
- Nursing home issues
The committee has had letter writing campaigns on a national, state and local level.
If you would like to join this committee or attend a meeting, contact COA at (615) 353-4235 for the next meeting date. The committee generally meets on Thursdays (while the State Legislature is in session) from Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Statement on Healthcare Reform
Healthcare is a concern close to every American. Healthcare is a human right and Americans cherish the right to high quality, affordable care including choice of providers. Unfortunately access to care is not available to many in our country, and cost of care is crippling our economy and destroying personal and family finances. As a relatively poor, low service state, Tennessee has more at stake than most states regarding healthcare reform.
Contact elected representatives to request action on a plan to include these principles:
- The focus of the plan should be on the uninsured and the underinsured.
- Any proposal should relieve the financial stress to the Medicare and Medicaid systems.
- Modifying or eliminating overhead costs is critical to a sustainable healthcare system.
- A coordinated system is essential to avoid errors, waste and duplication.
- Healthcare Reform should maintain the opportunity to choose providers and quality healthcare services.
- Healthcare Reform must address the concerns of the elderly, those with Alzheimer’s disease, and caregivers in the comprehensive package.
- Healthcare Reform should take account of the cost effectiveness of home and community based services.
- Mental health services and prescription assistance should not be carved out of the plan.
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Healthcare Reform must support the need for more primary care providers delivering quality care to the increasing number of seniors.
Download COA's Healthcare Reform Statement
The Statement on Healthcare Reform was approved by COA's Board of Directors in November 2009.
Let Your Voice Be Heard on Issues Facing Older Adults
We urge advocates to contact their state legislators' office to let them know their feelings on issues affecting older adults and caregivers. Find your state legislator...
Contact Middle Tennessee's U.S. Senators and Congressmen
- Senator Lamar Alexander: Nashville office (615) 736-5129
- Senator Bob Corker: Nashville office (615) 279-8125
- Congressman Marsha Blackburn: Clarksville office (931) 503-0391
- Congressman Jim Cooper: Nashville office (615) 736-5295
- Congressman Diane Black: Murfreesboro office (615) 896-1986