WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 158

Department of Aging - Senior Call-Check and Social Connections Program

2025 Regular Session

Maryland creates a statewide Senior Call-Check and Social Connections Program to combat isolation through wellness check-ins and community engagement for older adults.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 35
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 158

Legislative bill overview

HB 158 establishes a Senior Call-Check and Social Connections Program within Maryland's Department of Aging to provide regular wellness check-ins and social engagement services for isolated seniors. The program aims to reduce loneliness and improve health outcomes through volunteer-based or staff-administered telephone contact and community connection activities.

Why is this important

Social isolation among older adults is associated with increased mortality, depression, and emergency healthcare utilization. By creating a structured statewide program, Maryland addresses a documented public health issue affecting vulnerable seniors while potentially reducing costly emergency interventions and institutional care admissions.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism: The bill's funding source and whether appropriations are adequate to serve all eligible seniors statewide is unclear; underfunding could limit effectiveness
  • Volunteer reliance vs. staff costs: Balancing volunteer-dependent models against paid staff raises questions about program sustainability, quality consistency, and worker compensation
  • Privacy and data security: Managing sensitive senior contact information and health data requires robust safeguards; implementation costs and liability concerns may arise
  • Definition of eligibility: Criteria for determining which seniors qualify could be overly broad or narrow, affecting accessibility and program costs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.