Seniors

Michigan’s 1st District is home to a large and growing population of senior citizens who have built this community, raised families, and worked hard for the future we all share. From our rural farms to our lakeshores, seniors are at the heart of our communities—they’ve shaped our way of life, and it’s time we make sure they receive the support and respect they deserve.

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For too long, seniors in Northern Michigan have faced challenges: rising healthcare costs, the uncertainty of Social Security and Medicare, and a lack of access to critical services like home care, transportation, and affordable housing. Seniors who’ve spent a lifetime contributing to their communities shouldn’t be forced to choose between paying for prescriptions and putting food on the table. I’m committed to ensuring that seniors in Michigan’s 1st District have access to affordable healthcare, the dignity of financial security, and quality of life as they age.

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Here’s my plan to support and protect our senior citizens:

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• Protecting Social Security and Medicare: These programs are vital lifelines for millions of Americans—especially in rural districts like ours, where seniors often face higher costs of living. I will fight to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare, ensuring that the benefits you’ve earned remain intact for future generations. Our seniors deserve the peace of mind knowing they won’t lose the benefits they’ve worked for their whole lives.

• Affordable healthcare for seniors: Access to affordable healthcare shouldn’t be a luxury—it’s a right. I will work to lower prescription drug costs and expand access to preventative healthcare services for seniors. No one should have to make the impossible choice between their health and their finances. I’ll advocate for more resources to ensure seniors can access mental health care and long-term care without financial hardship.

• Supporting home and community-based care: Many seniors prefer to age in place—staying in their homes and communities where they feel most comfortable. I will support home care services and community-based care programs that allow seniors to live independently, with dignity, and without the fear of being institutionalized. This also includes support for caregivers, who often shoulder the burden of elderly care without adequate support.

• Affordable senior housing: In many parts of our district, affordable senior housing is in short supply, and rising housing costs make it harder for seniors to remain in their communities. I will work to expand affordable housing options for seniors, including senior living communities and subsidized housing that allow our elderly population to live comfortably in their own homes.

• Protecting seniors from fraud and abuse: Seniors are especially vulnerable to fraud and abuse, whether it’s financial scams or mistreatment in care facilities. I will push for stronger protections against elder abuse and scam prevention programs to ensure seniors can enjoy their later years in safety and peace.

• Improving transportation options: Many seniors in rural areas face challenges in getting to appointments, picking up groceries, or even visiting loved ones. I will support public transportation initiatives and rural mobility programs to make it easier for seniors to access essential services and amenities.

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Michigan’s seniors are the foundation of our communities. They’ve given us their time, their work, and their love, and it’s time we give back by ensuring they can live their later years with the same dignity and respect they’ve earned. By supporting Social Security, Medicare, healthcare access, and senior housing, I will fight to ensure our senior citizens are never left behind.