Legislation looks to help states create Master Plans for Aging

WASHINGTON, D.C. | Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) — ranking member of the U.S. Senate Aging Committee — and U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) reintroduced landmark legislation that would create a nationwide grant program to support states' efforts to create their own Master Plans for Aging. Over 61 million Americans are aged 65 years and older, and that number is expected to rise to more than 80 million by 2040. This legislation would help make sure that state and local governments are prepared to address the needs of our aging loved ones. "After serving in our wars, educating our children, and laying the groundwork for the generations that come after them, American seniors deserve to age with dignity and financial security," said Sen. Gillibrand. "The Strategic Plan for Aging Act would deliver critical funding for states to develop their own Master Plans for Aging, which can provide resources to help older Americans navigate everything from housing and food insecurity to skyrocketing health care costs, insufficient retirement savings, and elder abuse. This legislation is critical to make sure that no older American is left behind, and I'm committed to getting it passed." "As a proud member of the sandwich generation, I witness in my own family the challenges older Americans face," said Sen. Alsobrooks. "I am blessed to be raising my 20-year-old daughter while also helping to care for my aging parents. By passing the Strategic Plan for Aging Act, Congress would help incentivize what pioneering states like Maryland are already doing: developing strategic plans for aging to help older Americans secure affordable housing, food, and health care. Our seniors have done so much for us – served our nation in the military and public service, educated and raised our future generations, and created pathways for all of us to succeed – it is time we make sure this country works for them." "This legislation gives states the support they need in order to give seniors the support they deserve," said Sen. Kim. "Living a life of dignity and respect as you get older should not be too much to ask for. I hope we can come together on this simple step to make care and services more accessible across our country." At least 38 states---including New York---are currently implementing, developing, or initiating a comprehensive plan to address the needs of older adults. These plans are state-led, cross-sector planning resources that help states transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for older adults and their families. The goal of the plans is to guide policy choices and investments at the state level to ensure that older adults and people with disabilities can live with dignity in the settings of their choice. The Strategic Plan for Aging Act would: Award grants to states, territories, and tribes to create or implement their own Master Plans for Aging, otherwise known as Multisector Plans for Aging and Aging with a Disability Awardees will finalize and begin the implementation of their plan no later than 2 years after receiving the grant. The plan should cover a 10-year period. Up to 65 grants of $500,000 or less can be implemented over a 5-year period. Provide awardees with resources to create, coordinate, implement, and evaluate cross-sector plans to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of older adults, including those with a disability, and their families and caregivers. Connect state, local, non-profit, and private sector plans to transform the infrastructure and coordination of key services, supports, and initiatives that address the needs of older adults such as long-term care, transportation, and social engagement. The legislation is endorsed by 40 organizations. A list of organizations and supporting quotes can be found here. The text of the legislation can be found here.

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Legislation looks to help states create Master Plans for Aging

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