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Relief packages for people facing hardships due to economic downturns should be temporary and well-targeted. Preference should be given to measures that also would stimulate economic activity.
Public retirement systems should establish a maximum vesting period of five years for DB plans and one year for employers’ matching contributions to defined contribution or hybrid plans.
Public health officials and policymakers should recognize social isolation as a significant public health issue and social determinant of health.
Policymakers and the private sector should develop a standardized screening tool to identify individuals experiencing social isolation.
Medicare, Medicaid, and other payers should reimburse providers for the use of a standardized tool, including during “Welcome to Medicare” and Annual Wellness visits.
During times of crisis, state and local governments and the private sector should use evidence-based tools to identify, monitor, and address social isolation among older adults.
Federal, state, and local policymakers should engage in robust, fully funded public health activities and programs.
All levels of government should provide adequate federal funding to support and maintain a robust public health care infrastructure.