S. 3337: Strategic Plan for Aging Act

The bill, known as the Strategic Plan for Aging Act, seeks to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to improve services for older individuals and those with disabilities by supporting the development of comprehensive plans within communities. Here’s a breakdown of its key components:

Goals and Purpose

The primary goal of the bill is to enhance the health, well-being, and quality of life for older individuals and people with disabilities through the following actions:

• Providing resources for **eligible entities** (States, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations) to create, coordinate, implement, and evaluate multisector plans.
• Ensuring plans address the diverse needs of specific populations, including those with the greatest social or economic need.
• Improving interagency collaboration to transform services and supports for older individuals and individuals with disabilities.

Grants and Funding

The Assistant Secretary for Aging will award competitive grants to eligible entities to assist in creating or implementing these multisector plans. Specific aspects include:

• A maximum of **65 grants** awarded over five years, with at least **10 grants** specifically for Indian tribes or tribal organizations.
• Each grant shall not exceed **$500,000** and must be utilized within three years unless an extension is approved.
• Funding is authorized at **$6.5 million** per year from 2026 to 2030, with a small portion designated for administrative costs.

Plan Requirements

The plans must include several essential elements:

• Engagement with a working group of aging and disability stakeholders to reflect community demographics.
• Cross-agency collaboration to improve infrastructure and service delivery for covered individuals.
• Clear long-term goals addressing key issues like housing, healthcare, nutrition, economic security, and disaster preparedness.

Assessment and Evaluation

Eligible entities must conduct ongoing assessments, including:

• A **developmental assessment** one year after receiving a grant, indicating progress and partnerships.
• An **implementation assessment** within two years, showcasing the final plan, goals, and a structure for accountability.

Consultation and Technical Assistance

The Assistant Secretary will consult the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities to guide the grant program and shall provide technical assistance to help eligible entities meet the program's requirements.

Key Services and Initiatives

Plans must address essential services and supports, which may include:

• Disease prevention and health promotion.
• Long-term care services and supports.
• Nutrition and food security.
• Transportation initiatives.
• Protection of elder rights and autonomy.
• Access to disaster preparedness resources.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for grants, entities must demonstrate commitment through documentation such as:

• Executive orders or legislation supporting the plan.
• Assessments of the needs of covered individuals in their jurisdictions.
• Collaborations with aging and disability stakeholders.

Relevant Companies

• None found