ma4 is the statewide association of Missouri’s ten Area Agencies on Aging. We are Missouri’s Trusted Voice on Aging. ma4 provides resources for information, services, and advocacy to improve the lives of aging Missourians. We advocate at the local, state, and federal level for services and supports that enhance the lives of older adults in the state of Missouri. ma4 is committed to building networks, collaborating with partners, and developing coalitions to support the needs of adults who are aging and adults with disabilities.
Missourians deserve to age with dignity, independence, and choice. Together with Missouri’s ten Area Agencies on Aging, ma4 works to make Missouri a place where we can all age well.
Our network of Area Agencies on Aging work in every county throughout Missouri to provide critical resources and support for adults who are aging, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers, to help them remain in the homes of their choice, for as long as they choose.
We advocate at the local, state, and federal level for services and supports that enhance the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities in the state of Missouri.
ma4 actively advocates for and with adults who are aging and adults with disabilities to:
- To promote opportunities and resources to sustain continued physical, social, and economic self-sufficiency.
- To support the capacity of aging adults to pursue choice, independence, and dignity in daily living.
- To protect aging adults from fraud, exploitation, neglect and abuse
- To advance social and policy changes that empower adults to age where they choose, as they choose
Whether on the federal, state, or local level, ma4 advocates on behalf of – and along with – aging Missourians so that they have the resources, services, and opportunities to live their best possible lives in the homes and communities of their choice.
2025 ma4 Advocacy Priorities
- Creation of Tax Incentives for Home Modification and Accessibility
- Protection to support the health and safety of older adults at risk of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation
- Expansion of the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit
- Enhance food access and nutrition for older adults
Explore Incentives for Home Modification and Accessibility
We support incentives for home modifications to support aging in place
As a nation and as a state, we are living longer lives and becoming a larger percentage of the overall population. And while most people indicate a desire to age in place in their own homes, many of us have not prepared our homes to age in place. Providing incentives for home modifications would expand our options for aging in place and benefit the entire community.
Protection to support the health and safety of older adults at risk of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation
We support efforts to protect older adults at risk of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation
We support polices and financial investment in the protection of older adults from the risk of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation.
Expansion of the Circuit Breaker Property Tax Credit:
We support updates to Missouri’s Circuit Breaker to increase income eligibility and to index the credit and eligibility to keep pace with inflation.
Missouri’s Circuit Breaker Property Tax Credit was meant to help older adults – those 65 and older- and Missourians living with disabilities who have fixed incomes stay in their homes by offsetting a portion of the cost of property tax. Unfortunately, the credit has not adjusted since 2008, and too many deserving Missourians are left out. By updating the circuit breaker, Missouri Lawmakers can provide real property tax relief now for older Missourians, disabled veterans, and Missourians with disabilities. This is a modest and reasonable tool that will help these Missourians remain living independently in their own homes.
Enhance food access and nutrition for older adults
We support investment in expansion of nutrition support to improve food security for older adults.
Investing in the health and well-being of Missouri’s aging population is essential. Access to nutritious and affordable food is a fundamental determinant of health, especially for seniors who may face mobility limitations, fixed incomes, and chronic health conditions. By providing support for healthy eating habits, we can help older Missourians maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. This investment aligns with the state’s commitment to a thriving and age-friendly community, ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to live fulfilling and healthy lives.
2024 ma4 Advocacy Priorities
- Expansion of the Circuit Breaker Property Tax Credit
- Expansion of Shared Care Tax Credit
- Explore Incentives for Home Modification
- Support Voter Protection Rights for Aging Missourians
2023 ma4 Advocacy Priorities
- Full funding for the Senior Growth and Development Fund
- Expand Circuit Breaker Tax Credits and Eligibility
- Restoration of Full MoRx Program
- Protection of Voting Rights
- Expand Digital Inclusion – Access and Affordability
