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36th Annual o4a Conference: Putting Policy into Practice

On Wednesday, October 15 and Thursday, October 16, 2025, the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a) celebrated its 36th Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio at the Hilton Easton with over 500 aging and disability service professionals in attendance for two days of networking and learning.

The Association also announced the recipients of its 2025 awards. A diverse array of winners have partnered with o4a and Ohio’s 12 Area Agencies on Aging to improve the lives of older Ohioans, Ohioans with disabilities, their caregivers, and their families. Ohio Department of Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran and Senator Theresa Gavarone were among those celebrated for advocacy on behalf of older Ohioans. Click here for the full list of awardees. 

Federal Government Shutdown: What It Means for Aging Services

The federal government shut down on October 1 after budget talks broke down between Congress and the White House. The shutdown affects many federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, and has led to furloughs for thousands of workers. It’s unclear how long the shutdown will last.

While a federal government shutdown is serious and disruptive, Ohio’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are in a position to continue serving older adults, caregivers, and communities without disruption through 2025. 

While Social Security payments and Medicaid and Medicare coverage will continue during the shutdown, the Trump Administration announced they would not be sending out November food assistance if the government shutdown continued through the end of October.

On Thursday October 30th, Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order to provide up to $25 million for food assistance for Ohio families. Ohioans of any age in need of emergency assistance may visit the Ohio Association of Foodbanks' map to find help close by.

This week, in response to a court order, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it would pay benefits reduced by 50% to the 22 million U.S. households enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) using its contingency fund. The agency warned there could be significant delays, however, as states adjust benefit amounts to reflect the reduction. November’s benefits were supposed to go out starting on Saturday November 1st.

o4a urges Congress to reopen the government by supporting a continuing resolution that protects the older adults and caregivers we serve. We also urge Congress to finalize a bipartisan FY 2026 spending bill that protects and increases funding for essential Older Americans Act programs.

Ohio Lawmakers Consider Property Tax Reform Measures

In late September, Governor DeWine’s Property Tax Commission released their final report which outlines 20 recommendations for consideration, including expanding the homestead exemption or implementing a property tax circuit breaker, restricting the use of emergency levies and overhauling levy ballot language.  

On October 1, the Ohio Senate voted 21-11 to confirm the House of Representatives' override of Governor DeWine's veto of budget language that curtails the ability of local governments to propose replacement levies and the authority of school districts to levy fixed-sum emergency, substitute emergency and combined school district income tax and fixed-sum property tax levies. This provision will become law and the types of levies above will be prohibited beginning January 1, 2026.

A number of property tax reform bills are currently moving through the legislative process before the General Assembly breaks for the holidays. Since January of this year, more than 60 bills regarding property tax reform and relief have been introduced in the Ohio General Assembly. For changes to take effect and for taxpayers to see changes in their tax bills next spring, legislation must be passed by the end of 2025.

HPIO Highlights Innovative Partnerships to Support Older Adults

Beth Kowalczyk, o4a CEO, participated as a panelist in the session Exploring Innovative Partnerships that Support Health and Independence at the Health Policy Institute of Ohio's (HPIO) Health Policy Summit on October 9th. She was joined by Jennifer Carlson, State Director, AARP Ohio and Marisa Sheldon, Director, Age-Friendly Innovation Center. The session was moderated by Kiana Trabue, MPH, President, HealthPath Foundation of Ohio & Public Health Fund of Ohio.

The discussion focused on policies and partnerships that help older adults maintain health and independence, including caregiver supports, age-friendly communities, and home and community-based services.

Next Generation MyCare Program Coming in 2026

The Next Generation MyCare is an improved healthcare program for Ohioans who have both Medicaid and Medicare. This program helps members get the care they need all in one plan.

Ohio's 12 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) will partner with the MyCare Ohio plans to support members in receiving care. AAAs will assist in assessing individuals for eligibility and enrollment in the MyCare Ohio waiver and help find the right services for them.

​For more information about the Next Generation MyCare Ohio program, please see the information provided by the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) below. You may also find the answers you need in ODM's Next Generation MyCare Member Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) or Next Generation MyCare Provider Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

COHHIO Hosts Regional Roundtables on Housing Challenges

The Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) held a series of roundtables this fall focused on two group facing the biggest housing challenges: older Ohioans and people exiting incarceration. These sessions took place in both rural and urban areas throughout the state and brought together advocates, service providers, and community leaders to foster meaningful dialogue.

o4a staff took part in a number of conversations around housing and older Ohioans, highlighting different ways AAAs provide housing assistance to their clients, from home modifications and repairs to housing and rental assistance programs to developing affordable and accessible housing for older adults.