LANSING – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports (ACLS) has developed the State Plan on Aging (SPoA) for fiscal years 2027 to 2029 and is seeking public comment on the updated plan, according to a press release on Thursday.

The release stated that State Units on Aging are tasked under the Older Americans Act (OAA) with developing and administering a multiyear SPoA that provides goals and objectives related to assisting older residents, their families, and caregivers. The plan serves as a blueprint outlining coordination and advocacy activities to meet the needs of older adults.

To support the development of the plan, the ACLS Bureau conducted a comprehensive needs assessment and engaged older adults, their family members, and key partners through community conversations, interviews, and a statewide survey, according to the release.

“The role of the State Unit on Aging is key to the health, wellness, and independence of Michigan residents that fall under the OAA and Older Michiganians Act,” MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said in the release. “We appreciate the voices of Michigan’s older adults, family caregivers, service providers, and advocates who participated in the needs assessment and contributed to the plan development. The priorities for the next three years are designed to better enable the aging network and our partners to address the issues our older adults face.”

MDHHS stated that guidance for content and expectations for developing the plan are established by the federal Administration for Community Living (ACL), including a required narrative and specific attachments.

According to the release, the ACLS Bureau incorporated input from the needs assessment and convened a multidisciplinary workgroup of Area Agency on Aging (AAA) staff and Tribal Elder Services directors to develop the SPoA’s four goals:

– Enhance access to services for older adults and caregivers to support their health, independence, and social connectedness.

– Promote collaborations and partnerships across MDHHS and other state departments, AAAs, OAA Title VI tribal grantees, and other agencies and organizations.

– Enhance pathways for accessing information so older adults and their support network, including those of greatest economic need and greatest social need, are aware of resources.

– Utilize language and messaging that celebrates aging and communicates the strength and value of older adults and those who provide their care.

The draft document and the process for submitting comments can be found online at michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/adults-and-seniors/acls. Comments on the plan will be accepted through Thursday, May 21.

The finalized plan will be submitted for review and approval to the Commission on Services to the Aging at their June meeting, prior to submission to ACL.