Advocacy Alert:
SERVICES THAT KEEP YOU INDEPENDENT AND SECURE ARE AT RISK – ACT NOW!
TELL CONGRESS TO PROTECT THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT
Early reports of the federal budget plan to break apart the coordination and delivery of Older Americans Act (OAA) programs, upon which millions of people rely. Programs within the Older Americans Act would be divided between the Administration for Children and Families and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Splitting OAA programs would lead to administrative burden and fewer dollars reaching the people they are meant to support. The OAA is the foundation for programs around the country that keep us at home and in our communities, preventing and delaying more costly care often provided through Medicaid. The budget would eliminate several OAA programs, including health promotion and falls prevention, and programs to prevent elder abuse. At the same time, there are growing threats to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid – the very foundations of economic and health security for millions of rural Americans.
Who's Affected?
Rural Minnesota
In most rural Minnesota communities, one in three people are 65 years old or older.
Arrowhead Region
Over 14,000 people in the 7-County Arrowhead region received OAA services in 2024.
Older Adults
Nationally, one in six older adults are served by OAA dollars.
What's at Risk?
Nutrition Services
Meals served in group settings or delivered to homebound older adults
Elder Rights
Adult Protective Services, Elder abuse prevention, Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Supportive Services
Chore services, groceries to go, legal services, and access to resoures
Caregiver Support & Respite
In-home or group respite, adult day counseling, and training
Health Promation Program
Falls prevention and chronic disease management
Transportation
Rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, or community resources
Splitting OAA Programs
Separating programs across multiple agencies leads to administrative burden and fewer dollars reaching the people the funds were meant to support
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs
Provides unbiased Medicare counseling and assistance
Call or email your U.S. Representatives & Senators.
Tell them OAA and other federal program dollars are vital in your rural area—and must remain intact. Feel free to use this script in your calls and emails or use your own message in support of the Older Americans Act. Add personal or professional experience as you are able.
U.S. House of Representatives
Pete Stauber
Phone: 202-225-6211
U.S. Senate
Amy Klobuchar
Phone: 218-741-9690
Other Federal Programs
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is making big changes to how it operates, including cuts to its workforce and the closure of many of its regional offices. Potential cuts to Medicaid could disproportionately affect older adults, weaken healthcare services, strain working families, and undermine public trust. Vist the websites listed below to receive the latest updates and get involved.
Stay Informed & Connected
Join aging advocacy groups, sign up for USAging or AARP newsletters, or connect with the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging to stay up-to-date and get involved.
Advocacy Tools
To request advocacy tools, please reach out to the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging at aa******@**dc.org As things evolve, we will be updating these tools and will provide you with the most up-to-date materials.