$25 million in funding will help support Aging and Disability Resource Centers in nearly every state
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced a new $25 million funding opportunity made possible by the Affordable Care Act to help states strengthen and expand their ability to help seniors and people with disabilities access home and community-based long-term services and supports. Over the next one to three years, funding will support Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) in nearly every state.
Each year, more seniors, people with disabilities and their families are confronted with often challenging decisions about how to obtain the long-term services and supports they need. Choices range from care in their home to care in a nursing home, social supports for daily living to home healthcare, and transportation to physical therapy to name a few. ADRCs will reportedly make it easier for people to learn about and access the services available in their communities and best meet their needs.
The initiative, known as the Aging and Disability Resource Center Program, is established through a partnership between the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The VHA will make an additional $27 million available over 3 years in ADRC-funded states through the VA Medical Centers. This funding will increase access to home and community-based services for veterans through ADRC programs.
The ADRC Program will help state agencies administer and better coordinate state and federal long-term service and support programs for older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans with disabilities.
In April, Secretary Sebelius announced the creation of the new ACL, bringing together key HHS offices dedicated to improving the lives of Americans with functional needs into one coordinated, stronger entity. This new agency will work on increasing access to community supports and achieving full community participation for seniors and people with disabilities.
For more information, visit www.hhs.gov/acl
