ASA Multisector Plan for Aging

On May 23, the Associated Press released part 5 of a series examining health disparities experienced by Black Americans. This piece, which is incredibly thorough and well-written, addresses racially-based disparities in Alzheimer's incidence, racially-based disparities in medical treatment; the need for patient advocacy; and the economic and emotional challenges of caregiving.

The story subjects live in Virginia, a state that has no Multisector Plan for Aging, but has begun its 4-year journey to develop an OAA-mandated State Plan for Aging Services. In that plan, Goal 3: Promote access to aging and community services for older Virginians with the greatest economic and social needs, and Goal 5: Improve access to resources and services that support caregivers, might come in handy for the daughter profiled in the article.

But it had me, a person easily confused by bureaucratic language, wondering how we might better define the difference between what states have to do regarding State Plans for Aging Services, and what they should, perhaps more effectively do, which is to create a Multisector Plan for Aging.

Could you, @Amy Herr, define the differences for us? 

Why, if states are creating State Plans, could they or should they not switch to Multisector Plans instead?

We'd love some answers!

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Alison Biggar
Senior Editor
American Society on Aging
San Francisco CA
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Hi @Alison Biggar -

Great question! The State Plan on Aging that is required by the Older Americans Act outlines the roles and responsibilities of each state and its Area Agencies on Aging. It documents achievements and describes how the state will allocate funds and administer the Older Americans Act going forward. States are required to update this plan and submit it to the Administration for Community Living every four years.

A Multisector Plan for Aging is a 10+ year blueprint for restructuring state and local policies and convening a wide range of cross-sector stakeholders to collaboratively address the needs of older-adult populations. MPAs are designed to create a coordinated system of high-quality care and support services that promote healthy aging, independent living, and social engagement, while also addressing issues related to healthcare, housing, transportation, and other social determinants of health. The key difference is that the MPA is cross-sector and has support from the Governor or state legislature.

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Amy Herr MHS, PMP
Director, Health Policy
West Health Policy Center
Washington DC
+1 (202) 729-8572
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