The hot meal program, Social Security benefits, Medicare, the need for increased funding for caregivers programs, funding for senior citizens work programs, and other services were covered in a townhall meeting that Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata held for seniors at the Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA) Center last week.
“I appreciate our seniors. They are respected elders in our communities, and it’s important to hear from them on issues and report back from Washington,” said Congresswoman Amata. “I also want to specially thank Director Paopao Kuresa Paopao. I appreciate the turn out as we had a room-full, and thank you all for attending, listening or asking questions. I plan to continue holding these opportunities as I always have in my time in Congress.”
The Congresswoman said a town hall meeting like this is, both, a listening session and, often, an opportunity to give an update about events, legislation, or discussions in Washington.
Following the House passage of the reconciliation bill—which cuts taxes for U.S. federal taxpayers—, Amata also notes that Social Security benefits were not part of that bill, so they were not changed, and American Samoa’s Medicaid rate is also unchanged, at the eighty-three percent federal match established for fiscal year 2020 and since.
Finally, the work requirements in Medicaid in the states are not applicable to the insular territories because these territories have presumed eligibility.
“Throughout the year, if you have questions like these, my staff will often be able to provide that answer, or look into it, so reach out to our office in Fagatogo with these kinds of needs,” concluded Amata. “I am humbled to be your voice in Washington, and these meetings are always a good chance to hear what is important to you.”
