2/6/25: A looming crisis threatens essential services for 150,000 vulnerable older adults in Missouri who rely on Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). Federally funded, AAAs provide critical support, including home-delivered meals, transportation, caregiver assistance, and in-home care, enabling seniors to age in place – a preference shared by the vast majority of Missourians.
While federal funds have been secured, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services will exhaust its spending authority for these funds by March 2025. Without immediate legislative action, these vital services face disruption, potentially forcing seniors into costly institutional care, a far less desirable and significantly more expensive alternative to aging in place.
Governor Kehoe has included the necessary spending authority in his FY25 Supplemental Budget. It is now imperative that Missouri legislators act swiftly and decisively to pass this budget before their spring break. This is not a request for new funding, but simply the authorization to spend existing federal dollars already allocated.
Delay will have devastating consequences. The loss of AAA services means seniors could go without nutritious meals, essential transportation, and the in-home support that allows them to remain independent. This is not just a matter of fiscal responsibility; it’s a matter of basic human dignity and respect for our aging population.
Please urge your state representatives and senators to swiftly pass the Governor’s FY25 Supplemental Budget before March 30, 2025. Our seniors are depending on us.