Donald Trump’s inauguration for his second term as President marks the beginning of a new chapter in U.S. governance, one that brings both opportunities and challenges for the senior living industry. With a Republican-controlled Congress and an administration poised to address key national priorities, the senior living industry must remain agile and engaged. Maggie Elehwany, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at Argentum, underscores the critical need for advocacy, stating, “This is a pivotal moment for senior living. We have a unique opportunity to influence policies that will define the future of care and support for our nation’s seniors.”
A New Political Landscape
The administration’s immediate focus is anticipated to be on immigration, the economy, and reversing Biden-era regulations. President Trump has already signaled an aggressive approach, with a series of executive orders that continue to roll out this week. Concurrently, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is leading efforts to advance legislative priorities through the budget reconciliation process, which allows passage with a simple majority in both chambers.
The narrow Republican majorities in the House (220-215) and Senate (53-47) provide the GOP an opportunity to advance key legislation without Democratic support. However, this slim margin leaves little room for error. “The stakes are high,” Elehwany notes. “Senior living must have a seat at the table as these critical decisions are made.”
Legislative Priorities
Complicating the legislative process in the first 100-days of the administration will be a need to pass government spending. The American Relief Act was signed into law by President Biden in December to fund the government through March 14. That deal did not include an extension of the debt ceiling, which must also be addressed this year. Lawmakers will also need to consider extensions of two key health care programs: Medicare hospital-at-home and telehealth flexibilities, which currently are authorized through March 31, 2025. Lawmakers have sought to extend telehealth flexibilities for two years and hospital-at-home for five years.
The spending negotiations may include considerable attention on renewal of expiring provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which can be part of the budget reconciliation process, as it was when it was passed in 2017. Argentum is already working with leading lawmakers to incorporate our public policy priorities into any potential reconciliation package to expand access of assisted living and also to promote workforce solutions for long-term care settings.
Argentum has proactively sent a letter to President Trump outlining priorities, which include:
- Increasing access and affordability of assisted living: Policies should help more Americans financially plan and prepare for their care needs, through tax and investment programs, and expanded opportunities to choose cost-effective care instead of spending down assets to qualify for government-paid skilled nursing.
- Supporting senior housing investments: Tax and housing policies should support this growth and encourage private capital investment in this industry.
- Investing in our caregiving workforce: We support expansion of federal workforce programs, tax credits, apprenticeship opportunities, immigration reform, loan forgiveness, and other incentives (see our recent letter to outgoing CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, calling on the agency to extend workforce program opportunities throughout the long-term care sector, including assisted living).
Key Appointments and Their Implications
The administration’s nominees for critical positions signal potential shifts in policy. Notable appointments include Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services and Lori Chavez-DeRemer for Secretary of Labor. These individuals will play significant roles in shaping healthcare and workforce policies.
Argentum is particularly optimistic about working with Doug Collins, the nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Following the passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, Collins’ leadership could advance programs allowing veterans to choose assisted living for their long-term care needs. “This is a chance to honor our veterans by giving them access to the care they deserve,” Elehwany adds.
Opportunities in Workforce Development
The senior living industry continues to face workforce challenges, a situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Argentum’s efforts to address these issues include advocating for federal workforce programs and expanding apprenticeship opportunities. The Healthcare Apprenticeship Expansion Program (HAEP), launched in 2020, has already trained over 7,600 workers, achieving high retention rates and career advancement.
Elehwany stresses, “Investing in our workforce isn’t just about filling jobs; it’s about creating sustainable careers that elevate the standard of care for seniors.” Argentum is also collaborating with community colleges, American Job Centers, and Job Corps to promote career pathways in senior living.
Navigating Regulatory Challenges
The new Congress is expected to review several Biden-era regulations, including those on Medicaid services, staffing standards for long-term care facilities, and overtime eligibility for salaried workers. Using the Congressional Review Act, the administration has the power to overturn these regulations with a simple majority.
“While regulatory changes present challenges, they also offer opportunities to advocate for balanced policies that benefit both providers and residents,” Elehwany explains. Argentum plans to engage actively in these discussions to ensure the needs of senior living communities are represented.
Housing and Caregiving Policies
Housing policy remains a key area of focus. President Trump’s proposal to support tax credits for family caregivers aligns with Argentum’s mission to promote affordability and access. “Caregiving tax credits could ease financial burdens for families and encourage more seniors to choose assisted living,” Elehwany notes.
Additionally, Argentum is advocating for home-care policies that recognize senior living communities as homes for their residents. This nuanced approach aims to ensure that any new initiatives encompass the diverse living arrangements of seniors.
The Importance of Now – Engaging in Advocacy
A seismic shift has occurred in the federal landscape. Massive federal policy changes are occurring at lightning speed. The new President is calling for a Golden Age in America. Will that mean a Golden Age for senior living, or will rapid executive actions on tariffs, immigration and other issues harm the industry? Your voice is urgently needed. Policy makers are looking for common-sense solutions to long-term care crisis. Our communities save federal dollars and have high resident satisfaction rates – we are the solution to the long-term care crisis.
To amplify its voice, Argentum is urging senior living advocates to participate in the Public Policy Institute (PPI) on March 12-13 in Washington, D.C. This event provides an opportunity for industry leaders to meet with policymakers and share their perspectives. Join us at the 2025 PPI and don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of the industry!
“Advocacy is a team effort,” Elehwany continues. “We need voices from all corners of the industry to join us in shaping the policies that will define the future of senior living. If we have at least one representative from each company attend PPI, we have a representation of more than 75% of the entire industry, and that is a voice that Congress cannot ignore!”
Looking Ahead
As the new administration settles in, the senior living industry must remain proactive. The challenges are significant—from workforce shortages to regulatory hurdles—but so are the opportunities. Elehwany concludes, “This is our moment to lead. By working together, we can ensure that senior living remains a cornerstone of America’s long-term care solution.”
With a clear agenda and a commitment to advocacy, Argentum is poised to navigate the complexities of this political landscape, always with the well-being of seniors at the forefront.
