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Concerned about the quality of life of older adults in Puerto Rico, who are facing significant economic challenges due to the constant rise in the cost of living, District 6 (Guayama) Sen. Rafael Santos Ortiz has been advocating for measures to alleviate the financial burden on this demographic, particularly in terms of access to essential medications.
“The increase in the cost of living has severely impacted our elderly population, many of whom rely on fixed incomes from Social Security or limited pensions,” Santos said Monday in a written statement. “It is unacceptable that so many of our seniors must choose between buying food and obtaining essential medications for their health.”
To address the situation, Santos introduced Senate Bill 252, which proposes exempting non-prescription medications from the sales and use tax (IVU by its acronym in Spanish) for individuals aged 65 and older. The measure aims to lower the costs associated with purchasing pain relievers, anti-allergy medications, and other over-the-counter products that are crucial for the health and daily well-being of the senior population.
Santos emphasized the significance of the initiative within his district, which includes municipalities with a high concentration of senior citizens.
“In the towns of our district, there is a large number of elderly individuals who deserve a dignified life without unnecessary financial worries,” he said. “This exemption will ease their financial burden and ensure they can take care of their health without additional challenges.”
The senator acknowledged the need to evaluate the fiscal impact of the proposed measure and noted that feedback from the island Treasury Department is anticipated to assess how the initiative might affect government revenue.
“It is essential to strike a balance between providing economic relief for our senior citizens and maintaining the fiscal stability of the country,” Santos said. “We look forward to the Department of the Treasury’s insights to ensure this measure is implemented responsibly.”
The importance of the legislation also becomes more pronounced amid rising cases of abuse and neglect of elderly individuals in Puerto Rico, the senator noted.
“We cannot overlook the difficult circumstances many of our senior citizens endure, who not only face economic challenges but also social vulnerabilities,” he said. “Safeguarding their access to medications is just one of many steps we must take to ensure their well-being and dignity.”
The legislative proposal reflects the demographic reality in Puerto Rico, where the aging population continues to grow. Recent data indicates a significant increase in the number of individuals aged 65 and older, highlighting the urgency of implementing public policies that ensure their well-being and access to essential resources.
