SAFE Act: Justice’s bill would benefit seniors
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More than a year ago, U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., introduced Senate Bill 2612 -- the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act. It's a bipartisan effort that incorporates risk assessments and prevention services for falls into annual wellness visits and initial preventive physical exams under Medicare, as well as associated services provided by physical therapists and occupational therapists. And it's been stuck in the Senate Finance Committee since July 31, 2025.
It's hard not to wonder if its momentum hasn't been hijacked by that other bill with the very similar acronym.
But Justice is still promoting the idea. Earlier this month he spent some time with students in the Wheeling University doctor of physical therapy program and some representatives of First Settlement Physical Therapy to support the effort.
"It's great to be back with the team at First Settlement Physical Therapy to talk about my SAFE Act. We know how much our seniors value staying active, but one fall can take all of that away in a heartbeat," Justice said. "That's why this bill matters so much. I want to thank the incredible therapists across our state, along with the future DPT students here today, for the work you do every day to give our seniors the care and support they need to stay safe, healthy, and independent."
In a state with a population as old as West Virginia's, this kind of support matters.
The act would let seniors enrolled in Medicare get a no-cost fall risk assessment from a physical or occupational therapist as part of their annual wellness visit. That assessment would help identify balance, mobility, strength and other concerns that could put seniors at risk of falling. And if you know the risks, you can put together a plan to prevent accidents.
Seems like a pretty simple, common sense idea that would help people, doesn't it?
Maybe that's why it hasn't moved.
Still, perhaps Justice should consider fiddling with the acronym a bit to avoid any accidental association with that other bill; and, of course, keep trying.