In Touch: News from o4a      |      Visit our website:  www.ohioaging.org

"Funding services for older adults isn’t just an investment in care—it’s an economic driver. It supports local organizations and small businesses that employ thousands of workers, from direct care staff to meal providers and transportation services. This funding keeps older adults healthier and independent, reducing costly hospitalizations and nursing home stays. It also strengthens local economies by generating jobs, business growth, and tax revenue. Increasing state funding will expand these benefits, ensuring both older adults and our communities thrive."

Beth Kowalczyk, CEO, Testimony to Ohio House Children and Human Services Committee

U.S. Senate Moves Quickly to Pass Medicaid and SNAP Cuts

In late May, the U.S. House passed their reconciliation bill, titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The bill passed narrowly, 215–214. The bill cuts more than a trillion dollars from Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) combined. 

Earlier this month, Senate Committees released amended reconciliation bill text containing even more dangerous Medicaid and SNAP proposals. The Senate proposals would initiate deeper cuts to Medicaid, stricter work requirements and still result in millions losing SNAP benefits.

Senate leadership is poised to meet their goal of sending the bill to President Trump’s desk by the Fourth of July. However, the House must agree to the Senate's changes. Advocacy is critical to prevent major detrimental cuts and policy changes to Medicaid and SNAP. 

Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) have been busy sharing the impact of the Big Beautiful Bill Act cuts in meetings with their U.S. House members and Senators, submitting letters to the editor and sharing information with their local Aging Networks on how to make their voices heard.

o4a and a number of Ohio AAAs joined more than 230 local and statewide organizations, companies, associations, unions, and provider networks in a letter urging Senators Husted and Moreno to reject structural changes and cuts to SNAP in budget reconciliation.

Older Americans Act Reauthorization Introduced

On June 18th, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and colleagues on the Senate Special Committee on Aging, reintroduced the Older Americans Act (OAA) Reauthorization Act, a bill that renews funding and strengthens services for older Americans.  

“The Older Americans Act is crucial in helping American seniors live healthy and independent lives in the settings they choose,” said Senator Cassidy. “This legislation strengthens these programs, ensuring they meet the needs of older Americans now and in the future.”

Last reauthorized in 2020, OAA expired in the 118^th Congress. This legislation would reauthorize OAA programs through fiscal year 2030 and make improvements to promote innovation and flexibility, strengthen program integrity, and better support family caregivers and direct care workers. The previous OAA reauthorization, also led by Cassidy and Sanders, passed the Senate unanimously last year. 

State Budget Update

Earlier this week the Ohio House and Senate voted on the final round of changes to the FY26-27 state budget bill, House Bill 96. Over the past six months, o4a and our member Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) have worked tirelessly to advocate for policies and investments that empower older Ohioans to live where and how they choose—with access to the home and community-based services and supports they need.

The bill currently before Governor Dewine includes several important provisions for older adults:

• $1 million in additional funding was secured for the Senior Community Services Program
• The personal needs allowance for individuals in residential facilities will increase from $50 to $75/month
• Preserves the current funding structure of the Ohio Housing Trust Fund so AAAs can continue to efficiently and effectively perform home modifications and repairs for more older Ohioans. 

Governor Dewine has until Monday June 30th to sign the bill and issue his line-item vetoes. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together and will continue to fight for policies that promote choice, dignity, and quality of life for Ohio’s older adults.

What if changing how we talk about aging could change how society thinks about it? Join us for a powerful, research-driven workshop on Reframing Aging, led by a trained facilitator from o4a. You’ll explore:

• What ageism is — and how it impacts health & longevity
• How ageist language shapes public opinion and policy
• How to use proven, positive framing strategies to advance change

Our words matter. Let’s use them to support a society that values people at every age.

o4a Comments on Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) Annual Plan

Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging provide services and resources for individuals to remain in their homes and communities as they age.  Housing continues to be one of the biggest challenges to accomplishing this, particularly for low-income older adults. 

OHFA has a unique position to be a leader supporting multiple affordable, safe and accessible housing options for Ohioans of all ages and abilities. In their FY2026 Annual Plan, we asked they incentivize or require the provision of resources for service coordination in proposals for developing or redeveloping housing for older adults and include resources for home maintenance and modifications as key components of a housing strategy for older adults, particularly when other housing options are limited. 

We look forward to supporting OHFA in their efforts to ensure housing options that are affordable, safe and accessible are available to older adults and people with disabilities.

Join us October 15-16 at the Hilton Columbus at Easton for Ohio’s largest Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) conference, bringing together 500+ professionals, providers, and advocates from across the aging network. Why sponsor?

• Premier visibility & networking 
• Exhibit space + speaking opportunities
• Sponsorships start at just $500

Whether you're a returning partner or new to o4a, we’d love to connect and find the right fit for you.