HHS Actions Threaten Older Americans Act: Home Care Concerns
Health care providers and advocacy groups are sounding teh alarm: Proposed HHS actions could jeopardize access to the Older Americans Act (OAA) and in-home care for seniors. Concerned organizations,including Addus Homecare and leadingage,are urging Congress to protect the OAA from restructuring plans that may split programs and undermine care coordination. they warn that dividing OAA initiatives could severely impact older adults’ ability to receive essential support to stay at home. Susan Collins, R-Maine, underscores the critical role of the OAA in supporting seniors’ independence.This fight directly affects access to home care and challenges the very structure of senior services, with potential administrative inefficiencies. As published on News Directory 3, this is more than just policy; its about safeguarding the well-being of aging populations. Discover what’s next for the OAA.
Home Care Groups Defend Older Americans act from Restructuring
updated May 28, 2025
More than 50 health care providers and advocacy groups are voicing concerns over potential disruptions to the Older Americans Act (OAA).In a letter to Congress, organizations including Addus Homecare, the National Alliance for Caregiving, and LeadingAge warned that a proposed restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could jeopardize access to vital in-home care services for older adults.
The coalition is specifically worried about the impact of “splintering” the OAA, a move they say would undermine the program’s coordinated approach to care. The Older Americans Act, enacted in 1965, provides states with grants for community planning, social services, and training related to aging, helping seniors maintain independence and dignity.
LeadingAge, an association of over 5,000 nonprofit aging services providers, joined the effort due to concerns about the future of OAA programs under the proposed HHS changes. Mollie Gurian,vice president of policy and government affairs at LeadingAge,emphasized the need for congressional intervention to ensure these programs remain unified under the Governance on Aging,even within a restructured HHS.
The proposed HHS restructuring involves consolidating 28 divisions into 15. A leaked budget draft suggests OAA programs would be divided between the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The letter argues that this division would severely impact older adults’ ability to receive necessary support for remaining at home, potentially leading to increased institutional placements. It also raises concerns about administrative inefficiencies and burdens on federal, state, and local aging agencies.
Susan Collins, R-Maine, praised the OAA’s reauthorization in 2020, noting it’s role as a lifeline for millions of seniors. She emphasized the importance of ensuring the OAA continues to support seniors in aging with dignity and respect.
“The OAA works so well as of that coordinated approach, allowing state and local agencies and their community provider partners to provide a wide range of person-centered services to meet the needs of older adults and caregivers as efficiently as possible,” the letter read.
What’s next
Congress will consider the concerns raised by these organizations as it reviews the proposed HHS restructuring and its potential impact on the Older Americans Act and senior care services. The focus will be on maintaining coordinated and efficient support for older adults seeking to remain autonomous in their communities.