Celebrating Older Americans

What Is the Older Americans Act?

The Older Americans Act (OAA) was signed into law in 1965 to ensure that older adults across the country can age with dignity, health, and independence. It created the foundation for a national network of services and supports that help people age in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.

Why the OAA Matters in Our Community

Since 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) has provided essential funding to help older Vermonters remain healthy, independent, and connected. As the primary source of federal funding for aging services, the OAA supports thousands of Vermonters every year in Rutland and Bennington Counties, where nearly 1 in 3 residents are over age 60.

How You Can Take Action: Why We Need Your Advocacy

OAA programs (with the sole exception of Title V’s workforce program at the Department of Labor) are tied by statute to the Administration on Aging (AoA), and the Act dictates that OAA is to be federally administered by an Assistant Secretary for Aging, then implemented through State Units on Aging and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), as well as community providers.

Splitting up OAA programs into two different federal agencies undermines the facts that the different titles and subtitles program are all part of ONE delivery system: the Aging Network; and that the Act works so well because of that cohesive approach, allowing AAAs to provide a wide range of person-centered services to meet the needs of older adults as efficiently as possible.

Separation of OAA programs would affect the delivery of services to older adults and drive cost inefficiencies through unnecessary and wasteful administrative burden. Successful coordination at all levels demands a unified approach to delivering the essential programs and services needed by older adults to age well at home and in their communities. We also believe that OAA programs are better suited to a human services agency—ACF—rather than CMS, which is a massive health care administration agency.

These proposals are a direct attack on the OAA’s statute and mission and the Aging Network’s efficiency and resources and, ultimately, will mean less support and fewer options for older adults trying to age well and their caregivers. It is critical that we speak out now.

Take Action Now

• ADVOCATE: Contact your Members of Congress today and call for OAA programs to remain together at the Administration of Children and Families (ACF) and for critical aging programs to be saved from elimination

                                                  To contact Vermont's sitting Congresswoman, Rep. Becca Balint, CLICK HERE

                                                   To contact Vermont's sitting Senator, Peter Welch, CLICK HERE

                                                   To contact Vermont's sitting Senator, Bernie Sanders, CLICK HERE

• DONATE: Your support helps us bridge funding gaps and continue vital services to those in your community who need support the most.  To donate directly to SVCOA and help us continue to provide essential support and services, click the button. Click Here to donate to SVCOA today

• STAY INFORMED: Follow SVCOA on social media and sign up for our emails to stay up to date on the latest policy changes. Send us an email and we'll sign you up to receive ours!  We promise we don't share your information with any outside sources.  Sign up to receive SVCOA News & Updates

Learn More

• Visit the Administration for Community Living

• Explore Age Strong VT – Vermont’s Plan for Aging Well

• Visit USAging.org