In the face of federal funding and staffing cuts, the Maryland Department of Aging (MDOA) remains steadfast in its commitment to the wellbeing of Maryland’s older adults, families, and caregivers. Under Governor Moore’s leadership, MDOA is working tirelessly to shield Maryland residents from the impacts of recent federal actions.

As federal funding declines, the integration of resources and coordination of services across the state has become more critical than ever. The state’s multisector plan for aging, Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM), brings together government, public, and private sectors—spanning healthcare, housing, transportation, caregiving, and more—to better address the needs of Marylanders at every stage of life.

Although LRM is still in its early stages, meaningful progress in policy, advocacy, and legislative efforts has already been made. Despite a challenging 2025 legislative session, MDOA's three bills have been signed into law. These bills reorganize and streamline existing MDOA programs to provide essential services and resources to a growing number of older Marylanders within or below existing funding constraints.

This milestone is just one step toward achieving a Longevity Ready Maryland—modernizing public programs to maximize the impact of current funding and to ensure we meet the evolving needs of Maryland’s residents. Visit LRM.Maryland.Gov to learn more about LRM and provide your feedback.

Gov. Moore acknowledges Sec. Roques and the MDOA team for their hard work during the 2025 legislative session. Photo credit: Office of Gov. Moore

Last week, the Maryland General Assembly rejected the Department of Legislative Services' (DLS') proposed $2.5 million reduction in Senior Care funding for the state's 2025 fiscal year.

Previously, DLS had proposed a $1.2 million cut to Senior Care, a program that provides case management and support services like personal care, chores, medication management, home-delivered meals, and transportation for eligible older Marylanders at risk of nursing home placement. As a result of the General Assembly's final actions on the state's annual Budget Bill and Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act, there will be no cuts to Senior Care funds in the FY2025 budget.

In addition, the General Assembly has restored Long-Term Care and Dementia Navigation program funding to its statutorily-mandated level of $2.4 million required minimum per year beginning in fiscal year 2026 and beyond. This is a statewide initiative designed to help individuals, caregivers, and families navigate the complexities of dementia care services with personalized support, resources, and guidance to ensure a higher quality of life.

MDOA has wrapped up an inspiring series of in-person and virtual town halls to ignite community involvement in the transformative LRM initiative!

These dynamic events not only unveiled the plan's vision but also highlighted the upcoming phases of its rollout. They served as a vibrant platform for thought-provoking dialogue and collaboration among community members, including professionals, advocates, government representatives, service providers, and older adults. Participants brought forward invaluable perspectives, shared bold ideas, and explored innovative ways to join forces—truly embracing the spirit of the LRM initiative.

Missed out on the town halls? Don’t worry—you can dive into the plan and share your thoughts through the online survey at LRM.Maryland.Gov. The LRM Toolkit is also available with resources to empower communities and drive excitement for the initiative. Feedback from these town halls and surveys will pave the way for the final plan, set to be presented to the Governor in June for approval.

More than 60 community members traveled to the Allegany County Fairgrounds for an interactive town hall discussion about the LRM plan. Participants expressed interest in increased collaboration between service providers and improved resources for volunteers, both objectives of LRM.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced significant reductions in force at the Administration for Community Living (ACL), and said it will incorporate ACL programs into three other HHS agencies. ACL provides critical support to MDOA by administering federal grants, including the Older Americans Act (OAA).

OAA funds sustain a wide range of essential programs for older adults and people with disabilities, including nutrition services, transportation support, personal care, health and wellness education, caregiver resources, and protections against exploitation.

Disruptions to OAA funding could have serious consequences for approximately 300,000 Marylanders. These individuals could face hunger and malnutrition, deteriorating health outcomes, increased hospitalizations and nursing home admissions, and heightened risk of abuse and exploitation.

As we approach the 60th anniversary of the OAA, it is vital to underscore the importance of its funding and celebrate its profound impact on Maryland communities. To learn more about the OAA and the services it supports for Marylanders, visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/LdC1ceV.

Sec. Roques joined Gov. Moore this month to tour the Queen Anne’s County Family YMCA and Active Aging Center. OAA funding supports evidence-based programming, including exercise and other health promotion classes, at Maryland's 117 Senior Centers. Photo Credit: Office of Gov. Moore

Last month, the Social Security Administration announced plans to implement stronger identity verification procedures, requiring in-person identity proofing for people unable to use their online personal My Social Security Account for certain services.

If you do not have a My Social Security Account or are unable to use the online service, you CAN call the Social Security office for assistance over the telephone if you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

However, as of April 14th, if you are applying for retirement, survivors, or auxiliary (spouse or child) benefits and cannot use your online My Social Security Account, you will need to visit a Social Security office in person to prove your identity.

The agency said it will not enforce these requirements in extreme situations, such as terminal cases or prisoner pre-release scenarios. People who do not already have a My Social Security Account can create one at ssa.gov/myaccount. To locate an office or make an appointment, call (800) 772-1213.

In a significant step toward making prescription drugs more affordable, Sec. Roques joined Gov. Moore and the Prescription Drug Affordability Board at an event last month announcing a new partnership with SIRUM, the nation’s largest redistributor of surplus medications, and its partner nonprofit, Good Pill, a home delivery pharmacy.

SIRUM is expanding its operations across Maryland, enhancing medication access and affordability for underserved populations in alignment with LRM. Good Pill, their pharmacy partner, offers most medications for a nominal $2 administration fee per 30-day supply, providing critical support for those struggling with medication costs.

For Marylanders facing challenges affording medications, resources are available. Visit Good Pill Pharmacy or contact aging.maryland.gov/SHIP for assistance.

From left: Sec. Roques, Anne Arundel County resident Jeannie Pollard who shared her experience accessing affordable medications with Gov. Moore, and SIRUM cofounder Kiah Williams. Photo credit: Office of Gov. Moore

Meet Pam Bowman, a cornerstone of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at the Baltimore County Department of Aging. With over 14 years of dedicated volunteer service, Pam has counseled countless older adults on Medicare and insurance issues, guiding them with knowledge, patience, and heart. Pam is not only a trusted counselor but also a compassionate mentor to new SHIP volunteers, generously sharing her expertise and encouraging them every step of the way.

During National Volunteer Month, we are reminded of the incredible impact volunteers like Pam have on our community, showcasing the transformative power of giving time and talent to help others. We thank Pam for her unwavering commitment and the joy she brings to our team and the community. She truly embodies the spirit of service!

If you would like to become a SHIP volunteer, visit aging.maryland.gov/SHIP to learn more.

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is celebrated annually on April 16th and throughout the month of April. It encourages individuals to start or continue conversations about their wishes for end-of-life care, reminding us of the importance of advance care planning. 

These discussions aren't limited to interactions with doctors or lawyers—and they shouldn't wait until illness strikes. We invite you to engage in a meaningful conversation with someone close to you about your own or their end-of-life care preferences. Consider extending this practice to your social network, workplace, or faith community. 

Visit https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/NHDD.aspx for resources.

Maryland Nonprofits Hosts Capacity Building Workshops

Maryland Nonprofits, with support from MDOA, is providing free virtual workshops to build capacity within your nonprofit organization. Learn, connect, and collaborate with like-minded individuals and other nonprofit organizations by attending one of the following upcoming workshops:

• Board’s Role in Fundraising: Board Member Fundraising, Visioning, and Direction, Wednesday, April 30, 4-5:30 PM, Registration zoom link
• Meeting the Moment: Impact of Recent Executive Orders on the Nonprofit Sector, Wednesday, May 21, 1:30-3 PM, Registration zoom link
• Increasing Services to Marginalized Older Adults: Leadership Mindset for Community Representation and Inclusive Engagement, Wednesday, June 4, 1:30-3 PM, Registration zoom link

The Living Well Center for Excellence is offering the Powerful Tools for Caregivers class, where participants will develop a wealth of self-care strategies. Over the course of six 90-minute sessions, caregivers will gain valuable skills to:

• Reduce personal stress
• Change negative self-talk
• Communicate their needs effectively to family members and healthcare providers
• Navigate challenging situations with improved communication
• Understand and manage the messages in their emotions
• Make tough caregiving decisions

Classes run on Tuesdays from May 6 to June 10 from 10 AM to 12:30 PM. For more details, visit The Living Well Center for Excellence HUB.

National Council on Aging Hosts Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium

The National Council on Aging is hosting the 8th annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium on May 1 from 10 AM to 5 PM. 

The free symposium is designed to raise awareness to better address the issues of older adult mental health and substance use disorders and highlight resources, case studies, and initiatives available to practitioners working with adults age 50+ living in the community. 

Visit the OAMHAD Symposium registration page to register.

Prince George's County Advisory Committee on Aging Presents Essential Documents Needed by Age 55

Whether you're planning for your own future or supporting an aging loved one, Essential Documents Needed by Age 55 will offer invaluable insights on navigating important legal topics and the opportunity to connect with legal experts.

The Prince George's County Advisory Committee on Aging invites you to this special Elder Law Day online presentation on May 1 from 11 AM - 1 PM

For more information, email: agingadvisory@co.pg.md.us. To register, visit: https://tinyurl.com/EAAD2025

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Offers a Variety of Hassle-Free Online Services

Gone are the days of waiting in long lines or juggling paperwork at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

With myMVA, you now have access to over 60 services anytime, anywhere, from your computer or mobile device. You can renew your license, apply for disability placards, request emissions waivers, designate a vehicle beneficiary, and so much more.

Visit the Maryland MVA website today to explore the full range of services at your fingertips!

• AFRO American Newspapers highlighted Gov Moore signing SB 223 and HB 158 which authorizes the integration of MDOA's Senior Call Check and Social Connections services with Telecommunications Access of Maryland.
• Cumberland Times-News reported on how LRM will help address concerns for the aging population in Allegany County after MDOA held its second in-person town hall to introduce the LRM plan and gather feedback.
• The Baltimore Banner reported on overdose deaths in senior apartment buildings in Baltimore City, noting how $50,000 in grant funding from MDOA supported Community Builders Inc. to help residents with addiction at CityView apartments.
• Cumberland Times-News published an article on LRM and the upcoming Town Hall to take place in Allegany County and the disparities in life expectancy between counties.
• The John A. Harford Foundation and ADvancing States State Efforts to Integrate Family Caregivers and Direct Care Workers highlighted Maryland’s efforts to leverage LRM to connect direct care workers and family caregivers through integrated training efforts over a two-year period. 
• LeadingAge Maryland’s Weekly Digest highlighted LRM and linked to our REACH newsletter to encourage their network to review the plan and provide feedback. 
• Click here to find past editions of MDOA newsletters.
• Click here to read our REACH blog, providing inspiring stories about Longevity Ready Maryland initiatives.
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