State Plan on Aging

OAA Section 307(a)(21):

The plan shall — 

. . .

(B) provide an assurance that the State agency will pursue activities to increase access by older individuals who are Native Americans to all aging programs and benefits provided by the agency, including programs and benefits provided under this title, if applicable, and specify the ways in which the State agency intends to implement the activities. 

45 CFR § 1321.53:

(a) For States where there are Title VI programs, the State agency’s policies and procedures, developed in coordination with the relevant Title VI program director(s), as set forth in § 1322.13(a), must explain how the State’s aging network, including area agencies and service providers, will coordinate with Title VI programs to ensure compliance with sections 306(a)(11)(B) (42 U.S.C. 3026(a)(11)(B)) and 307(a)(21)(A) (42 U.S.C. 3027(a)(21)(A)) of the Act. State agencies may meet these requirements through a Tribal consultation policy that includes Title VI programs. 

(b) The policies and procedures set forth in (a) of this provision must at a minimum address:

(1) How the State’s aging network, including area agencies on aging and service providers, will provide outreach to Tribal elders and family caregivers regarding services for which they may be eligible under Title III and/or VII; 

(2) The communication opportunities the State agency will make available to Title VI programs, to include Title III and other funding opportunities, technical assistance on how to apply for Title III and other funding opportunities, meetings, email distribution lists, presentations, and public hearings;

(3) The methods for collaboration on and sharing of program information and changes, including coordinating with area agencies and service providers where applicable; 

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(4) How Title VI programs may refer individuals who are eligible for Title III and/or VII services; 

(5) How services will be provided in a culturally appropriate and trauma-informed manner; and

(6) Opportunities to serve on advisory councils, workgroups, and boards, including area agency advisory councils, as set forth in § 1321.63.  

Response:

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) is committed to increasing access by Native American older adults to all aging programs and benefits provided by the agency, including those under Titles III, VI, and VII of the Older Americans Act (OAA), where applicable. While Pennsylvania has no federally recognized tribes, PDA engages with Tribes present in the state, such as the Seneca Nation, and Native-serving organizations, including the United American Indians of the Delaware Valley. 

PDA will implement this assurance by:

1. Outreach to Tribal Elders and Caregivers – Encourage all 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to identify and conduct targeted outreach to Native American older adults and their caregivers, including those living outside Tribal lands, using culturally relevant materials and connections through Native-serving organizations. 
2. Communication Opportunities – Maintain contact with Native-serving organizations through stakeholder email distributions and invitations to public hearings. 
3. Collaboration and Referrals – Share program information and changes with Native-serving organizations and coordinate with AAAs to establish referral pathways for eligible individuals to access Title III and/or VII services. 
4. Culturally Appropriate Services – Ensure services are culturally appropriate and trauma-informed, informed by ongoing engagement with Native-serving organizations.

Through these efforts, PDA will strengthen coordination with Native communities and increase access to aging programs for Native American older adults across the Commonwealth 

OAA Section 307(a)(14):

(14) The plan shall, with respect to the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which such plan is prepared—

(A) identify the number of low-income minority older individuals in the State, including the number of low income minority older individuals with limited English proficiency; and

(B) describe the methods used to satisfy the service needs of the low-income minority older individuals described in subparagraph (A), including the plan to meet the needs of low-income minority older individuals with limited English proficiency. 

Response:

Based on the most recent U.S. Census and American Community Survey (ACS) data, approximately 80,000 low-income minority older adults live in Pennsylvania, of whom an estimated 23,248 speak English less than “very well.” According to ACS five-year estimates from the Penn State Data Center, 17,667 low-income minority adults age 60+ speak no English or speak it poorly.

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) and the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) use demographic and service utilization data to identify the population and geographic distribution of low-income minority older adults, including those with limited English proficiency (LEP), in each Planning and Service Area (PSA). This information guides targeted outreach and service delivery.

To meet the needs of these populations, AAAs:

• Utilize translation and interpretation services to make services, programs, and outreach materials accessible in prevalent non-English languages.

• Translate outreach materials on health, wellness, and available services into languages such as Spanish and Mandarin in areas with high concentrations of LEP older adults.

• Conduct listening sessions in multiple languages during State Plan and Aging Our Way, PA engagement processes to ensure broad participation.

Additionally, the current Intrastate Funding Formula (IFF) gives significant weight to older adults living below the federal poverty level (FPL). PSAs with larger low-income older adult populations receive proportionately greater resources, enhancing their ability to serve low-income minority older adults and those with LEP.

OAA Section 307(a)(27):

(A) The plan shall include, at the election of the State, an assessment of how prepared the State is, under the State’s statewide service delivery model, for any anticipated change in the number of older individuals during the 10-year period following the fiscal year for which the plan is submitted.

(B) Such assessment may include—

(i) the projected change in the number of older individuals in the State;

(ii) an analysis of how such change may affect such individuals, including individuals with low incomes, individuals with greatest economic need, minority older individuals, older individuals residing in rural areas, and older individuals with limited English proficiency;

(iii) an analysis of how the programs, policies, and services provided by the State can be improved, including coordinating with area agencies on aging, and how resource levels can be adjusted to meet the needs of the changing population of older individuals in the State; and

(iv) an analysis of how the change in the number of individuals age 85 and older in the State is expected to affect the need for supportive services RESPONSE:

Shelf Stable, Pick-Up, Carry-Out, Drive-Through, or Similar Meals Using Title III Congregate Nutrition (C-1) Service Funding (Optional, only for States that elect to pursue this activity) 45 CFR § 1321.87(a)(1)(ii):

Title III C-1 funds may be used for shelf-stable, pick-up, carry-out, drive-through, or similar meals, subject to certain terms and conditions:

(A) Such meals must not exceed 25 percent of the funds expended by the State agency under Title III, part C-1, to be calculated based on the amount of Title III, part C-1 funds available after all transfers as set forth in 45 CFR § 1321.9(c)(2)(iii) are completed;

(B) Such meals must not exceed 25 percent of the funds expended by any area agency on aging under Title III, part C-1, to be calculated based on the amount of Title III, part C-1 funds available after all transfers as set forth in 45 CFR § 1321.9(c)(2)(iii) are completed;

(iii) Such meals are to be provided to complement the congregate meal program:

(A) During disaster or emergency situations affecting the provision of nutrition services;

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(B) To older individuals who have an occasional need for such meal; and/or

(C) To older individuals who have a regular need for such meal, based on an individualized assessment, when targeting services to those in greatest economic need and greatest social need; and 

45 CFR § 1321.27 (j):

If the State agency allows for Title III, part C-1 funds to be used as set forth in §1321.87(a)(1)(i), the State agency must include the following:

(1) Evidence, using participation projections based on existing data, that provision of such meals will enhance and not diminish the congregate meals program, and a commitment to monitor the impact on congregate meals program participation;

(2) Description of how provision of such meals will be targeted to reach those populations identified as in greatest economic need and greatest social need;

(3) Description of the eligibility criteria for service provision;

(4) Evidence of consultation with area agencies on aging, nutrition and other direct services providers, other stakeholders, and the general public regarding the provision of such meals; and

(5) Description of how provision of such meals will be coordinated with area agencies on aging, nutrition and other direct services providers, and other stakeholders. 

Response:

Pennsylvania recognizes the urgent need to prepare for the growing number of older adults, which is why the Commonwealth launched Aging Our Way, PA, a 10-year multisector plan established by executive order. This plan ensures that programs, services, and infrastructure are equipped to meet the needs of a rapidly aging and increasingly diverse population.

Currently, approximately 25% of Pennsylvanians are age 60 or older; by 2030, this is projected to reach 33%. Growth will occur across urban and rural areas, with rural regions facing distinct challenges such as limited healthcare access, transportation barriers, and fewer social services. Pennsylvania’s older population also reflects diversity in income, race, culture, and language — with many living below the federal poverty level, identifying as minority, or having limited English proficiency. These intersecting factors require targeted approaches to address greatest economic and social need.

Over the next decade, Pennsylvania’s service delivery model will adapt by:

• Target resources to high-need areas: Pennsylvania introduced a new Intrastate Funding Formula that heavily weighs the number of low-income older adults within a PSA. 

• Expand capacity for high-acuity needs: Pennsylvania will enhance long-term services and supports, caregiver assistance, and in-home supports to meet the growing needs of the 85+ population.

• Integrate technology: Pennsylvania will support the utilization and education of telehealth and other innovations to increase access for individuals with mobility or geographic barriers.

• Strengthen cross-sector collaboration: Pennsylvania will coordinate efforts among AAAs, healthcare providers, and community organizations for seamless service delivery.

• Enhance nutrition services: Grab and Go meals have become an effective means of providing nutrition services to older adults through Senior Community Centers (SCCs). Grab and Go meals are also commonly referred to as Carry-out, Take-out, or Drive-thru meals.  Beginning October 1, 2025, in an effort to complement the traditional congregate meal program and reach more older adults, AAAs may continue to utilize this method of providing meals at no cost to eligible participants using Title III-C2, state, or local funds.

Through these strategies, Pennsylvania will remain responsive to changing demographics, address inequities in access, and ensure that older adults regardless of income, location, or background have the resources to age with health, dignity, and independence.