WESH: New Frost-backed bill could help seniors pay for power supplies during natural disasters
ORLANDO, Fla. — Congressman Maxwell Frost wants to change Medicare so that it will cover emergency supplies, including generators, for people in need.
The Democrat representing Orlando came to a downtown senior apartment tower near Lake Eola with supporters to speak on his new bill that could help pay for supplies to keep the power on after a hurricane.
Power outages are one of the major concerns during a hurricane, and for people with disabilities or who depend on oxygen tanks, losing power can be deadly.
“The fact that most of the folks who died during these hurricanes and power outages being 65-plus is unacceptable,” Frost said.
Frost calls it the Safe Through Medicare Act, which would change Medicare so it covers 100% of the cost of generators, solar and external batteries, air conditioners and other supplies.
“This is to have a proactive solution to a problem and not be reactive. The goal would be when folks are covered with this, they would be able to get the external systems that they need, battery systems, generators, et cetera, before the storm comes,” he said.
Frost is introducing the bill. He hopes, if it passes, it will keep seniors safer in their own homes without needing to get emergency help from the outside.
Source: WESH