California Department of Aging proposes $27M increase for Older Americans Act programs

In a recent meeting of the California Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services, key discussions centered around the California Department of Aging and its critical funding adjustments aimed at enhancing services for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Nicole Shimo Saka, the deputy director of administrative services at the California Department of Aging, presented three significant items for consideration. The first was a technical baseline adjustment, a net zero shift of existing funds intended to streamline the department's fiscal accounting system. This adjustment was necessary to ensure that funds were allocated correctly within the budget.

The second item addressed the need for increased federal funding under the Older Americans Act. Currently, the department faces challenges due to insufficient baseline federal authority, which hampers its ability to meet operational and programmatic needs. Shimo Saka highlighted that the proposed increase of $3.9 million in state operations and $23.2 million in local assistance would not only right-size the funding for essential programs but also alleviate burdensome administrative processes. This change aims to expedite payments to local area agencies on aging, enabling them to provide vital services such as nutrition programs, health support, and legal assistance to older adults and caregivers.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of the meeting was the discussion surrounding the Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP), which helps frail older adults remain in their homes rather than entering nursing facilities. The program currently operates with 37 site providers across the state, but inconsistencies in data reporting have raised concerns. In response to new federal regulations, the department plans to implement a software solution to enhance compliance and reporting efficiency. However, Shimo Saka assured the committee that the project would be halted if the federal access rule does not proceed.

The Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) expressed interest in understanding the implications of these funding adjustments and the oversight role of the legislature. As the meeting concluded, the focus remained on ensuring that the department could effectively meet the needs of California's aging population while navigating the complexities of federal and state funding requirements.

This meeting underscored the ongoing efforts of the California Department of Aging to adapt to regulatory changes and improve service delivery for some of the state's most vulnerable residents, highlighting the importance of timely and adequate funding in supporting essential health and human services.