Linking Seniors to Needed Legal Services Act of 2021

Linking Seniors to Needed Legal Services Act of 2021

This bill establishes a grant program within the Department of Health and Human Services for states to support linkages between health services, social services, and other supports for vulnerable older adults, including through senior legal hotlines and medical-legal partnerships.

A medical-legal partnership means an arrangement in a health care or social services setting that integrates lawyers and social workers to address the needs of an individual patient related to social determinants of health (nonmedical factors such as income that influence health outcomes) and to help clinicians, case managers, and social workers address structural problems at the root of many health inequities.

Bill 117 HR 5241, also known as the Linking Seniors to Needed Legal Services Act of 2021, aims to provide support for older Americans who may be in need of legal assistance. The bill recognizes that seniors often face unique legal challenges, such as issues related to healthcare, housing, and financial exploitation.

The legislation seeks to establish a grant program that would fund partnerships between legal aid organizations and aging services providers. These partnerships would work together to identify and address the legal needs of seniors, with a focus on those who are low-income or otherwise vulnerable.

The bill also includes provisions for training and education programs to help legal aid providers better understand the needs of older adults and how to effectively assist them. Additionally, the legislation calls for the creation of a national hotline to connect seniors with legal resources and information. Overall, the Linking Seniors to Needed Legal Services Act of 2021 aims to improve access to legal services for older Americans and ensure that they are able to navigate the legal system effectively. By providing support and resources to this population, the bill seeks to protect the rights and well-being of seniors across the country.