Advocacy
The Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a) is a leading voice for Ohio’s older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. We work closely with elected and appointed officials at all levels of government to ensure that policies, programs, and services meet the needs of those we serve.
Our advocacy efforts include:
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Maintaining an ongoing dialogue with policymakers about the challenges and opportunities facing Ohio’s aging population.
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Initiating and championing legislation that supports older Ohioans, their families, and the programs they rely on.
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Monitoring and tracking bills of interest to the aging network as they move through both state and federal legislative processes.
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Hosting our biennial Advocacy Conference and Legislative Reception during the state budget process—bringing together national speakers, state advocates, and policy leaders to share the latest developments affecting aging and disability services.
To keep our members informed and engaged, o4a provides a weekly Legislative and Policy Bulletin with timely updates on legislation, budget decisions, and advocacy opportunities.
Whether you want to stay connected to the latest policy news or directly support our advocacy efforts, there are two ways to get involved:
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Want to help? Donate Today:
Federal Appropriations and Older Americans Act (OAA) Updates
Earlier in June, the House Appropriations Labor-HHS Subcommittee released its FY 2027 bill, which contains funding levels for Older Americans Act (OAA) and key aging programs. The bill was approved by the full House Appropriations Committee with a vote of 34 to 28. As a result of strong advocacy from the Aging Network, the House Labor-HHS appropriations bill includes modest funding increases to several OAA and key aging programs within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The appropriations process now moves to the Senate as that chamber advances its own version of the FY 2027 appropriations bill, which is expected to occur in July.
Programs with Increased Funding:
- OAA Title III C 1 Congregate Meals, $1 million increase
- OAA Title III C 2 Home-Delivered Meals, $1 million increase
- OAA Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP), $1 million increase
- OAA Title VI Native American Aging Programs: Part A Grants to Indians, $2 million increase, Part C Native American Caregivers, $2 million increase
- OAA Title VII Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCOP), roughly a $1.3 million increase
- ACL Elder Rights Support + Adult Protective Services, $131,000
- ACL Community Care Corps, $1.5 million increase
- AmeriCorps (which includes AmeriCorps Seniors), $5 million increase
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), $3 million increase
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, $10 million increase
Level Funded Programs:
- OAA Title III B Supportive Services
- OAA Title III D Evidence-Based Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- OAA Title III E National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)
Eliminated Programs:
- OAA Title V Senior Community Services Employment Program, which is administered by the Department of Labor, was again zeroed out by the House Republicans, which mirrors the President’s budget request.
Senate Approves Older Americans Act (OAA) Reauthorization Bill
On July 14th, the U.S. Senate passed, under a process reserved for non-controversial pieces of legislation, the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act (S. 2120). The bill was first developed on a bipartisan basis within the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee in 2024 and then re-introduced last year with the new Congress. S. 2120 is a bipartisan bill with bicameral support, and it reflects the realities of a bipartisan Hill process and the input of dozens of aging organizations over the past two years. The bill’s next step is the House of Representatives, where the House Education and Workforce Committee has jurisdiction.
Statehouse Updates: Ohio Legislature Advances HCBS Program Integrity Reforms
Following a busy spring legislative session, the Ohio General Assembly has recessed for the summer as lawmakers return to campaign in their districts. Among the many bills considered, o4a focused its advocacy on legislation affecting home- and community-based services (HCBS) for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Originally introduced to strengthen Medicaid program integrity through enhanced electronic visit verification (EVV) requirements and provider oversight, House Bill 795 became the primary vehicle for broader HCBS oversight reforms following the DeWine Administration's response to allegations of fraud within the Medicaid system. After several rounds of amendments, the legislation was incorporated into Senate Bill 315, which passed the House and was unanimously approved by the Senate on June 10.
As Senate Bill 315 is implemented, o4a believes it is important to balance strong program integrity with continued access to high-quality home- and community-based services. The actions of a small number of bad actors should not overshadow the positive impact these programs have on thousands of Ohioans and their families every day.
Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging have long partnered with state agencies to strengthen provider oversight, monitoring, reporting, and accountability. o4a remains committed to working with the General Assembly, the Ohio Department of Medicaid, the Ohio Department of Aging, providers, caregivers, and consumers to ensure Ohio's long-term care system is both accountable and responsive to the needs of those it serves.
o4a Releases 2026 Policy Priorities
Strengthening and Modernizing Ohio’s Community-Based Aging Infrastructure
Every Ohioan deserves the opportunity to age safely, independently, and with dignity in the place they call home. As Ohio’s population grows older, more individuals and families will need help navigating healthcare, caregiving, housing, transportation, and long-term services.
Ohio’s 12 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) work in every community across the state to connect older adults and caregivers with the services and supports they need. We partner with local communities, healthcare providers, and state agencies to help people remain independent while making the best use of public resources. Our 2026 policy priorities focus on strengthening this community-based system so it can meet the needs of today’s older adults and future generations. Read our full policy priorities and recommendations here.
1) Make it Easier to Find Help: Strengthen “The Front Door to Aging Services”
2) Help More Older Adults Stay at Home: Strengthen Home and Community Based (HCBS) Aging Infrastructure
3) Support Older Adults Who Don’t Qualify for Medicaid: Expand Sustainable Community-Based Services and Supports
4) Modernize and Innovate Ohio’s Aging Network
5) Expand Safe and Affordable Housing for Older Adults
6) Ensure Strong State-Level Leadership and Partnerships with AAAs
Ohio’s Area Agencies on Aging provide a trusted, community-based network that helps hundreds of thousands of older adults and caregivers each year. By investing in this system, Ohio can help more people remain healthy, independent, and connected to their communities while preparing for the needs of an aging population.
Together, we can build an Ohio where every older adult has the opportunity to age with dignity, choice, and the support they need to thrive.
