Elder Justice Act of 2026 (H.R. 8060)

Summary

Renews and updates funding for programs that protect older adults and people with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

What problem does this solve?

Programs that protect older Americans from harm need more money and updated tools to be effective. This bill provides new funding and modernizes these programs to better support seniors, their caregivers, and the workers who look after them.

What does this bill do?

Provides grants to support nursing home workers

Gives states money for wage subsidies, tuition help, child care, and transportation for workers in nursing homes and other long-term care settings to help hire and keep staff.

Funds adult protective services

Appropriates $500 million per year from 2027 to 2030 for state and tribal Adult Protective Services programs, which investigate reports of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Creates grants to fight social isolation

Sets aside $63 million per year from 2027 to 2030 for community groups to find and help older adults who are lonely or socially isolated.

Supports medical-legal partnerships

Provides $125 million per year from 2027 to 2030 for programs that connect legal services with health and human services to help older adults with issues that affect their health and safety.

Reserves funds for tribal organizations

Requires that 2% of the funding for nursing home worker grants and adult protective services grants be set aside specifically for Indian tribes and tribal organizations.

Funds long-term care ombudsman programs

Gives money to ombudsman programs, which act as advocates for residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities to resolve complaints and protect their rights.

Requires regular reports to Congress

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress every two years on how well these programs are working to prevent elder abuse and recommend any needed changes.

Who does this affect?

Older adults
Adults with disabilities
Caregivers and nursing home workers

What is the real world impact?

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Strengthens protections for vulnerable adults

Provides significant funding to state and tribal programs that investigate abuse, support caregivers, and improve the quality of care in nursing homes and other facilities, ensuring better safety for older adults and those with disabilities.

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Addresses caregiver workforce shortages

Creates grants to support nursing home workers with wage subsidies, tuition assistance, childcare, and transportation. This helps attract and keep qualified staff, which can lead to better care for residents.

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Combats senior loneliness

Establishes new programs to help community groups identify and support older adults who are socially isolated, which is a major risk factor for both mental health issues and elder abuse.

When does this start?

The bill provides funding for its programs for the fiscal years 2027 through 2030 and sets several deadlines for reports and program creation.

Medical-Legal Partnership Program

The Secretary of Health and Human Services must create the grant program for medical-legal partnerships within two years of the bill becoming law.

Reports to Congress

The first report on the effectiveness of all elder justice programs is due to Congress no later than two years after the bill becomes law, with updates every two years after that.

Deadline for States to Use Funds

States must use the grant money they receive within two years after the end of the fiscal year it was given. Any unused money must be returned to the federal government.