What Ages Does the Act Cover?
Section 303 of the Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in federally assisted programs or activities. Although the legislative history indicates Congressional concern for the problems of the elderly in particular, the Congress made it clear in its conference committee report that the Act is intended to apply to persons of all ages. Nowhere in the amendment process was there any discussion of limiting or changing the coverage of the Act. It continues to extend protection to persons of all ages. Various advocacy groups for older persons suggested that HHS construe the general regulations to protect only the elderly to provide greater protection for older persons than for other age groups. This construction is not legally supportable in view of the legislative history and the plain language of the Act. Thus all regulations issued to implement the Act provide protection to persons of all ages. 2. When Is the Prohibition Against Age Discrimination Effective? The Act provides tha
