States play a leading role in the design and delivery of services for the elderly and disabled. They have primary responsibility for administering numerous programs and for regulating providers that deliver the services.

To help states address the aging issue, the NGA Center has:

  • addressed long-term care, Medicare, housing, transportation, and workforce issues;   
  • provided technical assistance to states as they design services and systems for the aging and disabled;
  • tracked and monitored state implementation of systems change initiatives; and
  • reported on state development of pharmaceutical programs for the elderly and disabled.

Areas of Focus

Aging Initiative
The Aging Initiative was an NGA Center project to help states respond to the ever evolving needs of America's aging population. The initiative highlighted best practices and policy strategies to enable states to:

  • encourage long-term care and retirement income planning among individuals;
  • promote "elder-friendly" communities; and
  • develop a skilled workforce of home health and nursing aides, nurses, doctors and other specialists to meet the needs of an aged population.

Civic Engagement: Engaging Seniors in Volunteering and Employment
Improving the Civic Engagement of Seniors was an NGA Center project to help increase civic engagement among seniors by capitalizing on the leadership of state governors. The initiative aimed to improve the health and lives of older Americans by substantially increasing the proportion of seniors who participate in employment, education and training, or meaningful volunteer activities.

Disabilities & Community Living
There are approximately 54 million Americans with disabilities, approaching 20 percent of the U.S. population. In some states, nearly 1 in 4 residents has a disability. States and territories are engaged in efforts to provide new and enhanced community living opportunities to citizens of all ages who experience disabilities and chronic illnesses. The NGA Center provides resources to help states efforts to support citizens with disabilities.