BECKLEY, WV – Today, Senator Jim Justice joined First Settlement Physical Therapy to discuss his bill, the SAFE Act.
“This bill is about prevention, plain and simple. If we can help seniors stay steady on their feet, stay active, and stay independent longer, that’s better for them, better for their families, and better for taxpayers too. I appreciate all the work the great therapists here at First Settlement and all across West Virginia are doing. They are helping seniors live safer, healthier, and more independent lives,” said Senator Jim Justice.
“On behalf of the physical therapy community, I can’t say enough about Senator Justice’s help with the SAFE Act. He’s been front and center on this idea, and we really couldn’t ask for a better advocate. This is the type of practical, commonsense idea that saves money and helps seniors stay as independent as possible. Senator Justice, as do physical therapists, believes when you have the right kind of care at the right time, you can unlock a win-win for both patients and the budget,” said Simon Hargus, PT, DPT, OCS, MBA, Owner and CEO, First Settlement Physical Therapy.
BACKGROUND:
Senator Justice introduced the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act on July 31, 2025.
The SAFE Act allows seniors on Medicare to receive a no-cost fall risk assessment from a physical or occupational therapist as a part of their annual wellness visit so they can detect problems before someone gets hurt.
He spoke in detail about the SAFE Act during a Senate Aging Committee hearing this past May.
