The 2023 Indiana General Assembly is complete, and we have some great wins on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities to share:

  • Passage of HEA 1422, Dementia Specialists, and an associated $1.5 million annual appropriation which will allow AAAs to fund Dementia Specialist positions at the local level.
  • Full funding of increases to Medicaid rates for home and community-based services in the state budget which will help address the direct service workforce crisis.
  • Annually, $5 more in CHOICE funding will be available in the budget to fund home and community-based services for persons who are not Medicaid eligible.
  • Passage of SEA 1 and its funding means that the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission will explicitly include representation on older adult mental health, and the Commission is also explicitly charged with reporting on issues related to older adult mental health.
  • Passage of HEA 1005 establishes a revolving loan fund for infrastructure improvements related to affordable housing development, inclusive of affordable housing for older adults and people with disabilites so they can age in the community.
  • Passage of HEA 1591 requires middle and high school aged special education students and their families to receive ongoing education about supported decision making and other alternatives to guardianship.

IAAAA advocates and provides input on legislation affecting older adults, people with disabilities and social determinants of health. We prioritize issues that significantly affect older adults and people with disabilities of any age such as:

  • CHOICE budget and its use
  • Social determinants of health
  • Family caregiver supports and concerns
  • Dementia-related initiatives
  • In-home care workforce
  • Elder justice
  • Guardianship and less restrictive alternatives
  • Affordable housing
  • Reliable transportation
  • Social engagement
  • Broadband connectivity and digital inclusion

Read more about our 2023 Policy Priorities and contact your legislators to share your views.

IAAAA advocates year-round at the Indiana Statehouse including in interim study committees that meet annually in late summer and early fall.