California’s Master Plan for Aging

California’s Master Plan for Aging

California’s Master Plan for Aging

Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-14-19 in June 2019 calling for the creation of a Master Plan for Aging (MPA) that can serve as a blueprint for state government, local government, private sector, and philanthropy to promote healthy aging and prepare for coming demographic changes.

The executive order states: The California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS) shall convene a Cabinet Workgroup for Aging to develop and issue the MPA by October 1,2020. The MPA shall include key data indicators, with 10-year targets, to support the implementation of the MPA. The MPA shall include recommendations to better coordinate programs and services to serve older adults, families, and caregivers

• A Stakeholder Advisory Committee and two subcommittees — Research and Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) — also shall be convened by CHHS. The LTSS Subcommittee shall submit a report to the Governor by March 2020.

Plan Framework

Vision: California for all across the lifespan

Mission: A person-centered, data-driven, ten-year California Master Plan for Aging by October 1, 2020, including a state plan, local blueprint, data dashboard, and best practice toolkit Values:

 • Choices — meaning access, quality, and autonomy

•Equity — addressing cumulative disparities due to age, disability, geography, income, race, ethnicity, immigration status, language, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and family status

•Dignity and disruption of age-bias, able-ism, and discrimination

• Inclusion and accessibility for all older adults and people with disabilities

•Innovation and evidence-informed practice

•Partnerships among local, state, and federal governments, philanthropy, and private sectors

Goals for All Californians: 1. Services and Supports. We will live where we choose as we age and have the support we and our families need to do so.

2. Livable Communities and Purpose.

We will live in and be engaged in communities that are age-friendly, dementia-friendly, and disability-friendly.

3.Health and Well-Being. We will live in communities and have access to services and care that optimize health and quality of life.

4. Economic Security/Safety. We will have economic security and be safe from abuse, neglect, exploitation, natural disasters and emergencies throughout our lives.

The planning is underway

• The Cabinet Workgroup met in September and December.

• The Stakeholder Advisory Committee, named in August, met in September and November. The November meeting featured a presentation by San Diego County on their innovative “Roadmap for Aging” initiative. The group next meets in December via webinar, and in January where Los Angeles City and County’s “Purposeful Aging Initiative” will be highlighted

• The Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee, named and chartered in September and November, respectively, met in October and November. The October meeting focused on information and assistance networks, and the November meeting on a public long-term care benefit. The Subcommittee next will focus on all home- and community-based services, including In-Home Supportive Services.

A report is due from the Subcommittee to the Administration in March 2020. This Subcommittee will also advise on Goal 1: Services & Supports.

• The Research Subcommittee, named and chartered in October, met in October, and featured presentations on Data Dashboards from the Department of Public Health, as well as data sources, such as healthcare data and health professions shortage areas from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development.

The Subcommittee next meets in December and will focus on equity and long-term services and supports.

• New: A series of interactive “Webinar Wednesdays” will begin in January to allow groups and individuals statewide to engage and provide recommendations to help inform the MPA, specifically around

Goal 2: Livable Communities & Purpose,

Goal 3: Health & Well-being, and

Goal 4: Economic Security & Safety

Affiliate member status for DAC sought

During the January 2020 Redding Action Team meeting at the union hall building, CARA Executive Director Jodi Reid said progress was being made on getting an affiliate member designation for Disability Action Center.

  • The statewide Master Plan on Aging effort has launched an outreach website (Engage) that will ask for feedback from the public about the MPA. The site will have “Webinar Wednesdays” to update the public on the latest MPA committee news.
  •  Reid believes seniors advocates on the MPA committee must focus on the single payer health care concept. Some want a public option, which just plays into the hands of the big health care lobby who will capitalize on the division.