A new report from Democratic staff on the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging paints a stark picture of the challenges facing older Americans, arguing that policies enacted during President Donald Trump’s second term in 2025 have “actively harmed” seniors across multiple fronts.
The report, released in March 2026 under the direction of Ranking Member Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), outlines eight key areas where it claims federal actions have undermined the financial security, healthcare access, and overall well-being of older adults.
Rising costs deepen financial strain
One of the report’s central themes is affordability.
Despite campaign promises to curb inflation, consumer prices rose 2.7% between December 2024 and December 2025, with essential costs rising even faster. Medical care increased 3.5%, food 3.1%, housing 3.2%, and electricity surged 6.7%, according to data cited in the report.
The burden is compounded by rising healthcare costs. Medicare Part B premiums saw their largest increase in four years, while Affordable Care Act premiums jumped an average of 20% in 2026 after enhanced tax credits were not extended.
For many seniors—especially those on fixed incomes—these increases are eating into limited resources, forcing difficult choices between housing, food, and medical care.
Social Security disruptions and administrative turmoil
The report also highlights major changes to the Social Security Administration (SSA), particularly following the creation of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
According to the findings, SSA staffing was reduced by roughly 7,000 positions—about 13% of its workforce—marking the largest staffing cut in the agency’s history.
These reductions, combined with policy changes, led to longer wait times for services, reduced access to assistance, confusion among beneficiaries, and concerns over data security.
The report also cites allegations—later acknowledged in court filings—that sensitive Social Security data may have been improperly handled, further eroding public trust.
Medicaid cuts and healthcare access concerns
Healthcare access is another major focus.
The report points to the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), which it says cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid to offset tax reductions.
Medicaid plays a critical role for seniors, particularly in covering long-term care, supporting home- and community-based services, and assisting those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
The report warns that changes could result in millions losing coverage and reduced access to essential services, particularly for lower-income seniors and those with disabilities.
Nursing home standards rolled back
The administration is also criticized for rolling back federal nursing home staffing standards.
A 2024 rule required minimum staffing levels and 24/7 registered nurse coverage—standards projected to save approximately 13,000 lives annually.
However, the report says those requirements were delayed and ultimately repealed in 2025, following lobbying from the nursing home industry.
Critics argue the rollback increases the risk of neglect and lowers care quality for the more than 1.2 million Americans living in nursing homes.
Cuts and changes to senior services programs
Programs authorized under the Older Americans Act (OAA)—including Meals on Wheels, caregiver support, and elder abuse prevention—also face uncertainty.
The report cites plans to eliminate the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the federal agency responsible for coordinating many of these services.
It also notes layoffs affecting up to 40% of ACL staff, delays in congressionally approved funding, and resulting service reductions and waitlists.
Advocates warn that dismantling centralized oversight could weaken support systems that millions of seniors rely on daily.
Food assistance restrictions increase risk of hunger
Changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are another concern.
The report states that new eligibility restrictions could leave approximately 800,000 additional older adults without sufficient food each month.
Adults aged 55 to 64 without dependents now face additional requirements to qualify, even though many are already working low-wage jobs or facing health limitations.
Reduced support for disability and advocacy organizations
Protection and Advocacy Organizations (P&As), which help safeguard the rights of people with disabilities—including many seniors—are also targeted in the report.
It highlights a proposed 53% funding cut, delays in distributing already-approved funds, and service disruptions in some areas.
These organizations play a key role in investigating abuse, assisting with long-term care navigation, and protecting vulnerable populations.
Consumer protections weakened
The report also raises concerns about efforts to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
The agency has historically helped protect seniors from financial scams, predatory lending, and fraud—issues that disproportionately affect older Americans.
According to the report, actions taken in 2025 included halting enforcement activities, attempting to cut nearly all staff, and proposing to eliminate funding entirely.
Although courts have intervened in some cases, the agency’s long-term future remains uncertain.
A broader warning about an aging nation
Beyond specific policy changes, the report frames its findings within a larger demographic shift.
The U.S. population is aging rapidly, with tens of millions more Americans expected to be over age 65 in the coming decades.
Against that backdrop, the report argues that weakening key support systems could have long-term consequences not just for seniors, but for families, caregivers, and healthcare infrastructure nationwide.
Political context and ongoing debate
It’s important to note the report was produced by Democratic committee staff and does not represent a formal bipartisan finding.
Supporters of the administration have argued that some policy changes—particularly those tied to spending cuts and restructuring—are aimed at improving efficiency and reducing federal costs.
The debate over how best to support an aging population while managing federal spending is likely to remain a central political issue heading into 2026 and beyond.
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