January 2025   |       Visit our website:  www.ohioaging.org

A Message from Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging CEO and o4a Board President Duana Patton

As we usher in the new year, I am filled with optimism and excitement about the possibilities ahead. 2025 promises to be a year of growth, progress, and continued commitment to improving the lives of older Ohioans and individuals with disabilities. We are proud to celebrate the incredible work being done by the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) across the state. Our agencies continue to be a lifeline for older adults, helping them live independently and with dignity. Whether it's through providing meals, transportation, caregiver support, or direct services, the impact of their work is immeasurable. 

There is much to look forward to, including advocacy opportunities at the state and federal level to strengthen community-based services and integrated supports that help all of us stay connected to our communities as we age. Our network will advocate for additional resources to support Older Americans Act programs as well as increased state support in the Senior Community Services Program that provides flexible funding for non-Medicaid services that help older persons remain healthy and independent within their own homes and communities as long as possible

We will also continue to engage with state leaders and managed care plans to ensure system readiness and consumer needs are met during the transition and implementation of the Next Generation MyCare Ohio program, which will enhance care coordination and improve outcomes for those we serve.

2024 brought new leadership to our network with the welcoming of four new AAA Directors, Justin Moor, Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Jamie Herrman, Area Agency on Aging, District 7, Jud Love, Area Agency on Aging Region 9, and Abby Morgan, Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging. Each of these leaders brings fresh energy, passion, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the work we do. We are excited for their contributions and the direction they will help take our organizations in the years ahead.

Join us on March 4-5 at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown for the premier event in aging services advocacy. This year’s conference is packed with insights from top policy leaders, networking opportunities, and actionable strategies to shape the future of Ohio’s aging network.

Together, we can make a difference for Ohio’s older adults and caregivers. Register now and join us in shaping a brighter future! Visit our Advocacy page for details and registration.

Updates on Federal Funding Pause, Take Action to Protect Older Americans Act Programs

An Executive Order and memo from the Trump Administration to freeze funding on federal grants, loans and financial assistance caused confusion for states, local communities, and service providers this week. 

Though a federal judge has blocked the funding freeze and the Trump administration has rescinded the memo, officially the Executive Order is still in effect. The Administration is still reviewing and could potentially stop spending on a wide range of programs. We will be watching to see whether these efforts lead to cuts in programs older adults need.

We must ensure that the new Administration understands the incredible value of the federally funded services the AAA network delivers in Ohio and nationwide.

We ask that you contact your Members of Congress to tell them how losing federal funds would harm hundreds of programs that provide older adults and many others with health care, meals, supportive services, housing supports, and much more.

Call (202) 224-3121 for the U.S. Capitol switchboard operator

Contact your House members here

Contact U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno here

Contact U.S. Senator Jon Husted here

Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging Achieve Excellence in Case Management through NCQA Accreditation

Ohio’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) continue to lead the way in delivering exceptional care coordination and case management for older adults and people with disabilities. Achieving or pursuing NCQA Accreditation for Case Management for Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) underscores all the AAAs’ commitment to the highest standards of quality, accountability, and person-centered care.

This prestigious accreditation recognizes organizations that excel in helping individuals navigate complex care needs, supporting them in achieving their health and wellness goals. For Ohio’s AAAs, this milestone demonstrates their expertise in addressing the unique challenges of LTSS, ensuring individuals receive the right services at the right time. It also strengthens the network’s credibility with healthcare providers and payers while building trust with the communities they serve. Most importantly, NCQA Accreditation affirms the AAAs’ dedication to improving outcomes for the people who rely on these essential services every day.

State Budget: First Look Monday February 3rd

Governor DeWine is expected to hold a short press conference Monday before he releases his final state budget proposal for State Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The budget will presented in what is known as the “Blue Book.” The Blue Book contains budget information for the state overall, including: an economic forecast, discussion on revenue and expenses, debt financing, and individual agency information and funding recommendations.

The House Finance Committee will hold three hearings on the Budget beginning Tuesday February 4th through Thursday February 6th where the largest state agencies will testify on their budget proposal. The Ohio Department of Medicaid is expected to testify Wednesday February 5th.

Other state agencies will testify before standing House committees. The Department of Aging is expected to testify before the House Children and Human Services Committee in mid-February. All legislative hearings can be watched live on The Ohio Channel or the recording can be accessed at a later date.