King and Magaziner Introduce Bill to Protect Seniors from Falls During Fall Prevention Awareness Week

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02) announced the introduction of their bicameral Stand Strong for Medicare Act, legislation that improves the safety of older Americans by ensuring that fall-prevention equipment is reimbursable under Medicare Part B.

Each year, 14 million older Americans experience falls, resulting in 3 million emergency room visits and 39,000 tragic deaths. Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults aged 65 and older, with non-fatal falls costing our health care system $80 billion annually. This bill provides a preventive approach to protect seniors from these risks, allowing them to age safely and reduce the need for emergency and long-term care interventions. Seniors can reduce their risk of falling through basic home modifications, daily exercises, and other simple precautions.

“Falls can be serious, and even deadly, for older Americans, and Congress must consider this issue as seriously as we would for any other medical condition,” said Representative 

Seth Magaziner. “Passing this legislation would be a step toward reducing preventable injuries among seniors, reducing costs to the healthcare system, and providing seniors with the resources they need to live safely and independently.”

“We all know the saying ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ and the cheapest medical visit is the one that never has to happen,” said Senator Angus King, co-founder of the Congressional Task Force on Falls Prevention. “ Luckily, when it comes to falls prevention, the solution can start at home with the installation of grab bars, handrails, bath mats and other quick modifications. The bicameral Stand Strong for Medicare Act would help make falls prevention equipment more affordable through Medicare reimbursements and, in turn, ease financial burdens on our health care systems and taxpayers. It’s a win-win. This commonsense legislation will provide older Americans with the freedom to stand strong and stay safe.”

This bill requires that Medicare Part B cover the cost of fall prevention equipment including, but not limited to: grab bars, non-slip mats, shower chairs, bed rails, and other necessary devices, as prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. It also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create an annual list of qualifying equipment, ensuring that Medicare continues to support best practices in fall prevention and accommodates advancements in safety equipment.

“We commend Rep. Magaziner and Sen. King for working to expand Medicare coverage of falls prevention equipment. With 1 in 4 older Americans falling every year, we must invest in proven interventions that reduce people's risks. Covering items such as grab bars and shower chairs under Medicare Part B will make these devices more affordable and accessible. It also will directly advance goals in the 2025 National Falls Prevention Action Plan, which outlines steps to reduce the number of falls and fall injuries among older Americans over the next 10 years,” said Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO, National Council on Aging.

"At the Ocean State Center for Independent Living, we see every day how access to simple fall-prevention equipment like grab bars and shower chairs can make the difference between living safely at home or facing unnecessary hospitalizations. Expanding Medicare coverage for these tools is an important step in supporting independence, dignity, and safety for older adults and people with disabilities,” said Mireille Sayaf, Executive Director, Ocean State for Independent Living.

"SACRI has remained a leader in its efforts to advance policy, laws, education and programs to improve the health of older adults including fall prevention efforts. Falls, the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injury for older adults, cause over 80% of hip fractures and the CDC reports that deaths due to falls have been increasing.  Falls can not only seriously impact the quality of life of older adults but are a significant cost to our healthcare system. Medicare coverage of fall prevention equipment can prevent injury and deaths and lessen health system costs. We fully support this bill," said Carol Anne Costa, Executive Director, Senior Agenda Coalition Rhode Island.

The Stand Strong for Medicare Act is endorsed by the National Council on Aging, Ocean State for Independent Living, LeadingAge RI, and Senior Agenda Coalition Rhode Island. 

Full text of the legislation is available here.