March 28, 2025

On behalf of the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), and other organizations, NAELA expresses our concerns regarding the potential impacts to supports for older adults as you restructure the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. LCAO is a coalition of 68 national nonprofit organizations concerned with the well-being of America's older adult population and is committed to representing their interests in policymaking arenas.

In particular, as you consider the future of programs administered by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), we urge you to prioritize the continued efficient, effective and coordinated delivery of services to older adults and people with disabilities. Older adults and people with disabilities rely upon these programs to be able to remain at home and in the community, understand and access their Medicare and Medicaid benefits, age with maximum health and wellness, stay safe and free from abuse, and to 
support their family caregivers who enable older adults to stay out of more costly long-term-care institutions. 

Our country needs an even greater focus on older adults as our aging population grows at the greatest pace in our nation’s history, and we cannot lose the progress that has already been made. The Assistant Secretary for Aging role, which is a Senate confirmed position, is a critical voice to champion issues unique to older adults and ensure the Administration can improve the health of Americans of all ages.