Area Agencies on Aging in Kansas

Complete Guide to Area Agencies on Aging in Kansas (2026)

Written & Reviewed by

Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Yolanda Taylor

Senior Healthcare Editor

Last updated: January 20, 2026

If You Need Emergency Help

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or being abused or neglected.

For urgent aging or disability assistance:

• Kansas AAA Statewide Call Center: 1-866-457-2364 – Primary statewide assistance hotline for seniors 60+ seeking non-Medicaid services
• Kansas ADRC: 1-855-200-2372 – For Medicaid/KanCare long-term services and supports
• Adult Protective Services Hotline: 1-800-922-5330 – Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Licensed Care Home Abuse Hotline: 1-800-842-0078 – Report abuse in care facilities
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 – Free, confidential support
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 – Mental health crisis support

For immediate food assistance:

• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for emergency meal programs
• 2-1-1 Kansas – Dial 2-1-1 for local emergency resources

Key Takeaways

• Kansas has 11 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serving all 105 counties across the state
• All services are free or low-cost for seniors 60+ and people with disabilities of any age
• Call 1-866-457-2364 to connect with your local AAA for non-Medicaid services
• Each AAA serves multiple counties in designated Planning and Service Areas (PSAs)
• No income requirements for basic information and assistance services
• KanCare HCBS waivers provide comprehensive home-based services through managed care
• Strong rural service networks adapted to Kansas’s agricultural communities

What Are Area Agencies on Aging?

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are regional organizations that coordinate and provide essential services for older adults and people with disabilities across Kansas’s diverse communities. Created under the federal Older Americans Act in 1973, these agencies serve as the cornerstone of Kansas’s aging services network.

Think of your local AAA as a community resource hub that spans multiple counties across Kansas’s vast rural and urban landscapes. They don’t just provide direct services – they also plan, coordinate, and fund programs throughout their region. Each AAA serves a Planning and Service Area (PSA) that includes multiple counties and works with local nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations to deliver services where you live.

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) oversees all AAAs in the state and provides funding through federal, state, and local sources. Each AAA develops a four-year area plan that identifies local needs and outlines how they’ll address them, taking into consideration the unique characteristics of Kansas’s agricultural communities, small towns, and metropolitan areas.

Kansas’s 11 Area Agencies on Aging: Complete Directory

Note: Director names may change. Always verify current details by calling 1-866-457-2364.

Statewide Resources:

• Kansas AAA Statewide Call Center: 1-866-457-2364 (for non-Medicaid services)
• Kansas ADRC: 1-855-200-2372 (for Medicaid/KanCare services)
• Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services: (785) 296-4986

Core Services Provided by Kansas AAAs

Information and Assistance

Every AAA provides free information and assistance to help you understand your options and connect with appropriate services. Staff members are trained to answer questions about:

• Available programs and services in your area
• Eligibility requirements for different programs
• How to apply for benefits and services including KanCare waivers
• Referrals to other agencies and organizations
• Benefits counseling for Medicare, KanCare, and other programs
• Elder Law Hotline and legal assistance options

This service is available to anyone who calls the statewide AAA number at 1-866-457-2364, which operates Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM, with after-hours messaging available.

Nutrition Programs

Kansas AAAs operate comprehensive nutrition programs designed to address food security while promoting social interaction and community connection across both rural and urban areas.

Congregate Meals: Hot, nutritious meals served at senior centers, community centers, churches, and other gathering places throughout Kansas. These programs provide more than just food – they offer opportunities to socialize, participate in activities, and receive information about other services. Meals often feature regional favorites and accommodate dietary restrictions. Suggested donations are typically $3-5 for seniors 60+, though no one is turned away for inability to pay.

Home-Delivered Meals: For seniors who have difficulty shopping for groceries or preparing meals, AAAs coordinate home-delivered meal programs. Volunteers deliver hot or frozen meals directly to your home, usually 1-5 days per week. Priority is given to seniors who are homebound, have no informal support system, or are at nutritional risk. This service is particularly important in Kansas’s rural areas where grocery stores may be far away.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: Available through some AAAs when funding allows, providing vouchers that allow eligible low-income seniors to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets throughout Kansas.

Note: The Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program has experienced technology-related delays. Contact your local AAA for current status.

Transportation Services

Transportation is often the biggest barrier preventing seniors from accessing healthcare, shopping, and social activities across Kansas’s vast rural landscape. AAAs address this need through various programs:

Medical Transportation: Priority service for getting to medical appointments, dialysis, physical therapy, and other health-related trips. Many programs coordinate volunteer driver programs due to the long distances between communities in rural Kansas. Some urban areas have accessible vehicle services.

General Transportation: Scheduled transportation for shopping, banking, visiting family, and other essential trips. Service availability varies significantly by location, with urban areas offering more frequent service than rural areas where demand-response services are more common.

Transportation Vouchers: Some AAAs provide vouchers that can be used with local taxi companies or specialized transportation services for eligible seniors.

Reality Check: Transportation services in Kansas face unique challenges due to long distances between communities. You may need to book rides several days in advance, especially in rural areas. Some AAAs provide first-come, first-served demand-response transportation.

Legal Assistance

AAAs provide free legal help for seniors 60+ in civil (non-criminal) matters that affect their health, safety, and economic well-being. Kansas has both local legal assistance programs and a statewide Elder Law Hotline.

Elder Law Hotline: Call 1-888-353-5337, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM for free legal consultation. Hotline attorneys handle civil cases only and provide immediate telephone advice for seniors 60+.

Local Legal Services: Each AAA contracts with legal service providers for in-person assistance with issues including:

• Medicare and KanCare problems
• Social Security benefit issues
• Housing problems (landlord-tenant disputes, home repairs)
• Consumer protection (scams, fraud, identity theft)
• Estate planning basics (wills, advance directives)
• Family law matters affecting seniors
• Public benefit applications and appeals
• Agricultural property and farm succession planning

Medicare and Insurance Counseling (SHICK)

The Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) program provides trained counselors who help seniors understand Medicare options, compare health insurance plans, and resolve billing problems. Services include:

• Medicare enrollment assistance
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan comparisons
• Medicare Part D prescription drug plan selection
• Medicare Advantage plan reviews
• Appeal assistance for denied claims
• Help understanding Medicare statements and bills
• Medicare Savings Program applications
• Coordination with KanCare for dual-eligible beneficiaries

This counseling is completely unbiased – counselors don’t sell insurance and have no financial interest in your decisions.

Case Management and Care Coordination

For seniors with complex needs, AAAs provide case management services to help coordinate multiple services and benefits. Case managers work with you to:

• Assess your needs and develop a comprehensive care plan
• Connect you with appropriate services in your local area
• Monitor your situation over time
• Advocate on your behalf with service providers
• Help you navigate the healthcare system and KanCare
• Coordinate with family members and informal caregivers
• Facilitate HCBS waiver applications and assessments

Family Caregiver Support

AAAs operate Family Caregiver Support Programs that provide assistance to family members caring for older adults. This is particularly important in rural Kansas where family caregiving is often the primary support system.

Information and Education: Training on caregiving techniques, managing stress, understanding chronic conditions, and knowing when to seek help. Programs may include farm safety considerations for agricultural families.

Counseling and Support Groups: Individual counseling and peer support groups to help caregivers cope with the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving. Some groups may be conducted via video conferencing to reach rural participants.

Respite Care: Temporary care services that give family caregivers a break. This might include in-home companions, adult day programs, or short-term residential care.

Supplemental Services: Limited funding for services not covered by other programs, such as home modifications, assistive devices, or emergency response systems.

KanCare HCBS Waivers: Kansas’s Medicaid Long-Term Care Solution

Kansas operates its Medicaid program called KanCare, which includes seven different Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers providing comprehensive home-based services through managed care organizations.

Frail Elderly (FE) Waiver

The FE Waiver is designed for Kansas residents 65+ who need nursing facility level of care but prefer to remain in their homes or communities.

Services Include:

• Adult day services with health supervision
• Case management and service coordination
• Home health aide services
• Personal care assistance
• Homemaker services
• Home-delivered meals
• Transportation to medical appointments
• Environmental accessibility adaptations
• Personal emergency response systems
• Assistive technology and equipment

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be 65+ years old
• Must need nursing facility level of care (determined by Functional Assessment Instrument)
• Must be financially eligible for KanCare (Kansas Medicaid)
• Must choose community-based care over nursing facility care

Reality Check: The FE Waiver serves approximately 10,828 participants statewide. There may be waiting periods, with priority given to individuals transitioning from nursing facilities or other HCBS waivers.

Physical Disability (PD) Waiver

Serves individuals ages 16-64 with physical disabilities who need nursing facility level of care.

Services Include:

• Similar services to FE Waiver
• Occupational, physical, and speech therapy
• Skilled nursing services
• Specialized medical equipment
• Vehicle modifications
• Independent living skills training

Other HCBS Waivers Available in Kansas

• Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) Waiver: Ages 5+
• Brain Injury (BI) Waiver: All ages
• Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) Waiver: Ages 4-18
• Autism (AU) Waiver: Diagnosis through age 5
• Technology Assisted (TA) Waiver: Under age 21 with technology dependence

Self-Direction Options

Many HCBS waivers allow participants to self-direct their services, meaning you can hire and manage your own caregivers, including family members in some cases. This option provides greater flexibility and control over your care.

Special Population Services

Rural Kansas Communities

Kansas’s rural geography creates unique challenges and strengths in service delivery:

Rural Adaptations:

• Extensive volunteer networks in small communities
• Mobile services reaching remote areas
• Partnerships with agricultural organizations
• Understanding of farming family structures
• Coordination with rural health clinics
• Seasonal considerations for agricultural workers

Challenges to Expect:

• Longer distances to specialized services
• Fewer service providers available
• Limited public transportation
• Potential isolation during severe weather
• Agricultural income fluctuations affecting eligibility

Agricultural Families

Kansas AAAs understand the unique needs of farming and ranching families:

Farm-Specific Services:

• Agricultural property succession planning
• Understanding of seasonal income patterns
• Farm safety assessments and modifications
• Coordination with agricultural extension services
• Consideration of multiple property ownership
• Understanding of agricultural retirement patterns

Native American Communities

Kansas has a small but significant Native American population, and AAAs work to provide culturally appropriate services:

Tribal Resources:

• Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation services
• Coordination with tribal health services
• Understanding of tribal land issues
• Cultural competency in service delivery
• Connection to Indian Health Service programs

Veteran Communities

Kansas has significant military presence and veteran populations:

Veteran-Specific Services:

• Coordination with VA medical centers in Kansas
• Transportation to VA appointments across long distances
• Help accessing VA benefits and programs
• Support for military families dealing with aging issues
• Understanding of military retirement benefits

Diverse Urban Communities

In metropolitan areas like Wichita, Topeka, and the Kansas City area:

Urban Services:

• Multilingual services and interpretation
• Cultural competency for diverse populations
• Coordination with urban transportation systems
• Access to specialized medical services
• Higher density of service providers

How to Access Services

Step 1: Call the Statewide Number

Dial 1-866-457-2364 from anywhere in Kansas to reach the AAA statewide call center for non-Medicaid services. This toll-free number connects you to knowledgeable staff who can provide information and link you to local services. The call center operates Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM Central Time, with after-hours messaging available.

For Medicaid/KanCare long-term services and supports, call the ADRC at 1-855-200-2372.

Step 2: Initial Screening

AAA staff will ask basic questions about:

• Your age and county of residence
• What type of help you’re seeking
• Your current living situation
• Whether you have urgent needs
• Basic information about income and resources (for some programs)

This initial conversation typically takes 10-20 minutes and helps staff understand how to best assist you.

Step 3: Assessment (If Needed)

For ongoing services like HCBS waivers or intensive case management, you may need a more detailed assessment. This could happen:

• Over the phone for simple services
• In person at the AAA office
• In your home for complex situations
• Via video conference in some rural areas

Assessments may include the Functional Assessment Instrument (FAI) for waiver programs, which evaluates your ability to perform activities of daily living and your need for support services.

Step 4: Service Planning

Based on your assessment, AAA staff will:

• Explain available services and programs in your area
• Help you apply for relevant benefits including KanCare waivers
• Develop a person-centered service plan if needed
• Make referrals to other agencies
• Schedule ongoing services with local providers

Step 5: Follow-Up

AAAs provide ongoing support through:

• Regular check-ins with case managers
• Annual reassessments for waiver programs
• Help accessing new services as needs change
• Advocacy when problems arise
• Coordination with managed care organizations

Costs and Financial Assistance

Free Services

These services are available at no cost to eligible participants:

• Information and assistance through AAA statewide call center
• Benefits counseling (Medicare, KanCare, Social Security)
• Legal consultations through Elder Law Hotline and local programs
• SHICK Medicare counseling
• HCBS waiver assessments

Low-Cost Services

These services typically have suggested donations but you cannot be denied for inability to pay:

• Congregate meals ($3-5 suggested donation)
• Transportation ($2-5 suggested donation per trip)
• Home-delivered meals ($3-6 suggested donation per meal)

Income-Based Services

Some services may have sliding fee scales or client obligations based on your income:

• HCBS waiver services (client obligation for those over 300% of Federal Benefit Rate)
• Some in-home care services
• Adult day programs
• Respite care

Insurance and KanCare Coverage

Many services can be covered by:

• KanCare (Kansas Medicaid including HCBS waivers)
• Medicare (for medically necessary services)
• Private insurance
• Veterans benefits
• Other state and federal programs

Financial Reality: Even free services have limited funding. This means:

• You may be placed on waiting lists for some services
• Services may be reduced during budget cuts
• You might receive less service than you’d prefer
• Donations help programs serve more people

Quality and Accountability

Program Standards

All AAAs must meet federal and state standards for:

• Staff qualifications and training
• Service quality and safety
• Financial management
• Non-discrimination policies
• Confidentiality protections

Oversight and Monitoring

AAAs are monitored by:

• The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)
• Federal Administration for Community Living
• Independent auditors
• Consumer advisory councils
• Local governing boards

Complaint Process

If you have concerns about services:

1. Talk to your service provider first – Many issues can be resolved quickly at this level
2. Contact the AAA director – Each AAA has a process for handling complaints
3. Call KDADS – (785) 296-4986 for state-level review
4. Contact the KanCare Ombudsman – 1-855-643-8180 for KanCare-related complaints
5. Report abuse – 1-800-922-5330 for elder abuse or 1-800-842-0078 for care facility abuse

Your Rights

As a service recipient, you have the right to:

• Be treated with dignity and respect
• Receive services without discrimination
• Have your personal information kept confidential
• Participate in decisions about your care
• File complaints without retaliation
• Receive services that meet professional standards

Resources by Region

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do services work in rural Kansas where distances are so great?

Kansas AAAs have adapted to rural geography through extensive volunteer networks, mobile services, and creative partnerships. Many services use demand-response transportation, and some case management and counseling services are available via video conference. Rural communities often have strong neighbor-helping-neighbor traditions that complement formal services, though you may need to plan further ahead for appointments and services.

What’s the difference between KanCare and traditional Medicare?

KanCare is Kansas’s name for its Medicaid program, which provides healthcare for low-income individuals and long-term care services through HCBS waivers. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65+ and those with disabilities. Many Kansas seniors have both (dual eligibles). AAAs can help you understand how these programs work together and apply for benefits you may be entitled to receive.

Can I get help with farm succession and agricultural property planning?

Yes, many Kansas AAAs understand agricultural families’ unique needs. Legal assistance programs can help with farm succession planning, agricultural property issues, and estate planning that considers farming operations. Case managers understand seasonal income patterns and can help coordinate services around agricultural schedules.

How long are the waiting lists for HCBS waivers?

Waiting times vary by waiver type and region. The Frail Elderly waiver currently serves about 10,828 people statewide, and waiting periods depend on your assessment date and priority level. Individuals transitioning from nursing facilities receive priority. Contact your local AAA or the ADRC for current information about waiting times in your area and help understanding the application process.

What happens if I need services but live in a very small town?

Kansas AAAs are experienced in serving small communities. Services may be delivered differently than in urban areas – for example, using volunteer drivers instead of regular transit routes, or holding support groups via video conference. Your AAA will work creatively to ensure you receive needed services, though some specialized services may require travel to larger communities.

Are there services specifically for people involved in agriculture?

While AAAs don’t provide agricultural services directly, they understand farming families’ unique situations. This includes understanding seasonal income patterns for benefit eligibility, farm safety considerations for home modifications, and agricultural property issues for legal assistance. They often partner with extension services and agricultural organizations.

How do I access services if I don’t speak English well?

The AAA statewide call center can arrange interpretation services in various languages. While Spanish interpretation is most commonly available, other languages can be accommodated with advance notice. All AAAs are required to provide language assistance at no cost to you.

What if I move from one Kansas county to another?

Services don’t automatically transfer when you move between counties, but AAAs coordinate to ensure continuity of care. Your new AAA can access your previous assessments and service history to expedite the transition. If you’re receiving HCBS waiver services, your case will be transferred to providers in your new area.

Can family members be paid to provide care through HCBS waivers?

Many Kansas HCBS waivers allow self-direction, which means you can hire and manage your own caregivers, including family members (with some restrictions – spouses usually cannot be paid caregivers). This provides flexibility and allows family caregivers to receive compensation for their services while keeping you in familiar surroundings.

How do Kansas’s services compare to neighboring states?

Kansas’s integrated KanCare system provides comprehensive coordination between medical care and long-term services through managed care organizations. The state’s dual system with separate AAA and ADRC numbers provides clearer access pathways than many states. However, rural service delivery challenges are similar to other Great Plains states. The state’s focus on self-direction options in HCBS waivers provides more flexibility than some neighboring states offer.

Disclaimer

Program details, contact information, and services can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information as of January 2026, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with the relevant Area Agency on Aging before making decisions or applying for services.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.

For the most current information, contact:

• Kansas AAA Statewide Call Center: 1-866-457-2364 (for non-Medicaid services)
• Kansas ADRC: 1-855-200-2372 (for Medicaid/KanCare services)
• Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services: (785) 296-4986
• Your local Area Agency on Aging

About This Guide

Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors

This guide has been carefully researched using publicly available government resources and official program websites. We systematically review federal and state program information to create comprehensive, accurate guides for older Americans seeking assistance opportunities.

Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including federal agency websites (HHS, USDA, SSA, CMS), Kansas state government departments, official program documentation, and verified nonprofit organization resources.

Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes thorough online verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status, verifying contact information, and confirming eligibility requirements and service availability.

Information Currency:

Last Updated: January 2026

Sources Verified: January 2026

Next Review: May 2026

Important Note: Government programs can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with program administrators before applying.

Found an Error? If you discover outdated information or additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always confirm program details with official sources before applying.

This resource is independently researched to help seniors access available assistance programs.

About the Authors

Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Analic Mata-Murray holds a Communications degree with a focus on Journalism and Advertising from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. With over 11 years of experience as a volunteer translator for The Salvation Army, she has helped Spanish-speaking communities access critical resources and navigate poverty alleviation programs.

As Managing Editor at Grants for Seniors, Analic oversees all content to ensure accuracy and accessibility. Her bilingual expertise allows her to create and review content in both English and Spanish, specializing in community resources, housing assistance, and emergency aid programs.

Yolanda Taylor, BA Psychology

Senior Healthcare Editor

Yolanda Taylor is a Senior Healthcare Editor with over six years of clinical experience as a medical assistant in diverse healthcare settings, including OB/GYN, family medicine, and specialty clinics. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, Sacramento.

At Grants for Seniors, Yolanda oversees healthcare-related content, ensuring medical accuracy and accessibility. Her clinical background allows her to translate complex medical terminology into clear guidance for seniors navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and dental care options. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and holds Lay Counselor certification and CPR/BLS certification.