Congress passed the Older Americans Act (OAA) in 1965 and it has been periodically reauthorized to modernize programs and provide funding and coordination for local community based services that support the needs of older Americans so they can age in the community with dignity. The OAA is the major vehicle that provides governance and funding to the state units on Aging and the local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA -your local Office for Aging.) The re-authorization is currently overdue – and is incredibly important now to ensure that programs that are at risk of funding cuts are continued. Although older individuals may receive services under many other federal programs, the OAA is considered to be a major vehicle for social and nutrition services to this group and their caregivers – such as Meals on Wheels and respite care – and much more.
- Learn more about AAAs’ OAA and other roles in communities nationwide
- See this Fact Sheet on Reauthorization.
The White House recently announced the elimination of the Administration on Community Living – the agency that is responsible for implementation of the OAA. “This consolidation allows the department to better meet the current health needs of vulnerable populations across the country,” a spokeswoman for H.H.S. said in a statement. “This does not impact the important work of these critical programs as it will continue elsewhere within H.H.S.”
Recently, a budget memo describing the Department of Health and Human Services’ FY 2026 budget proposes to eliminate many vital services, among these:
- The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
- State Health Insurance Assistance Programs
- Falls Prevention and other prevention & Chronic Disease Self Management programs
- Adult Protective Services
- HEAP (financial assistance for heating and cooling) and more.
Because Congress has thus far failed to reauthorize the Older Americans Act, services for older Americans may be at even greater risk. To ensure that programs are appropriately funded, Congress must reauthorize the OAA to continue its vital programs.
Call your Congressmember at (202) 224-3121 for the U.S. House switchboard operator) today to demand the timely reauthorization. If you don’t know the name of your Representatives, check here