Last week, the Trump Administration released its proposed FY 2026 budget for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Thanks to strong advocacy, there’s encouraging news for the Older Americans Act (OAA).
The Good News:
The Administration reversed its earlier plan to split up OAA programs. Instead, all OAA programs will now move together into a newly renamed agency called the Administration for Children, Families, and Communities (ACFC). This keeps aging and disability services connected under one roof and helps ensure continued coordination of essential services for older adults and caregivers.
Key OAA and aging programs remain funded, including:
- Home & Community-Based Services (Title III B)
- Nutrition Programs (Title III C)
- Family Caregiver Support (Title III E) – with a funding boost
- Elder Abuse Prevention & Ombudsman Programs (Title VII)
- Senior Medicare Patrol, State Health Insurance Counseling, and Adult Protective Services
The Bad News:
Despite these wins, the proposed budget eliminates or deeply cuts other vital programs:
- Chronic Disease Self-Management Program – eliminated
- Falls Prevention – cut by 66%
- Alzheimer’s Support Grants – cut by 50%
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), and Section 202 Housing for the Elderly – eliminated or drastically reduced
- ECS’ Leaflin Lane, a subsidized senior living apartment for people over 62 with very low income, was made possible through Section 202 Housing
What Happens Next:
This budget is a blueprint. Congress will decide what gets funded through appropriations.
What You Can Do:
Your voice matters. Continued advocacy is essential to protect aging services, Medicaid, SNAP, and the community programs so many rely on. We’ve made progress; let’s keep going.
- Call your Members of Congress today. You can find their contact information at: house.gov and senate.gov
- Send a letter using the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s draft: https://thenationalcouncil.quorum.us/campaign/107658/