Towards a Brighter, More Connected Future for Older Californians
—Statement from Archstone Foundation on the Governor’s May Budget Revision—
Governor Newsom’s May budget revision, a critically needed and concrete commitment to aging services and his Administration’s Master Plan of Aging, is welcome news for efforts to improve the health and well-being of all older Californians.
“California has the second-highest life expectancy in the nation, but that hopeful average masks the reality that our health and social services systems remain poorly coordinated and fail many older adults, particularly those in our Black, Hispanic/LatinX, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and lower income communities,” said Christopher A. Langston, PhD, President and CEO of Archstone Foundation. “The investments outlined in the May budget revision are vitally important to redressing these inequities and ensuring all of us live better and longer lives.”
The May budget revision includes funds for a wide range of aging services infrastructure and programs, including those designed to connect people to the health care and social services they need. Notably, there is nearly $20 million for the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) program, which allows a single, “no wrong door” point of entry to local systems of long-term services and supports. There is also $2 million in new funding (above the $13.6 million currently budgeted) to modernize the Medicare Options/Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), which provides no-cost counseling to help individuals and families access needed Medicare and long-term care support. These kinds of programs help ensure the care, communication, and coordination that is central to enabling older people to get the high-quality services they need.
As a grantmaker concerned about accountability in its own work, Archstone Foundation is heartened that the Governor’s budget sets aside funds to track progress on the Master Plan for Aging through a Data Dashboard for Aging, a stakeholder oversight committee now forming, and a commitment to annual reporting. This kind of ongoing assessment and review is crucial to ensuring we glean the best possible outcomes from these public investments.
The budget revision and associated Master Plan places Californians on a hopeful path. We hail this strong start and look forward to working with a wide range of state and community partners to translate this promise into much needed results for all older Californians.
