Federal response to coronavirus recognizes threat to seniors

60 Plus Association and American Association of Senior Citizens Founder and Chairman James Martin today issued the following statement on the administration’s efforts to contain the coronavirus.

“The coronavirus is serious, and we pray for the families who have lost loved ones to this disease. American seniors have seen this sort of situation before. From swine flu in the 1970s to SARS and MERS, most seniors are very mindful of the risks and are smart in keeping themselves safe. 

Seniors with existing health problems are the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus and it’s encouraging to see the Trump administration taking actions that recognize this. Expanding Medicare access to telemedicine is a real boon to seniors. Medicare will also cover coronavirus lab testing with no out-of-pocket costs to seniors and ensure access to a COVID-19 vaccine once available.

Under the leadership of President Trump and Vice President Pence, we’re seeing the full force of the federal government health apparatus brought to bear in fighting COVID-19. As the situation evolves, I’m confident the administration, public health officials across the country, and the American people will coalesce around the need to fight and ultimately defeat this threat.”