Area Agencies on Aging in Michigan

16 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)

• These agencies implement federally funded programs under the Older Americans Act (OAA) and provide services to older adults and caregivers.
• AAAs coordinate nutrition, transportation, case management, in-home services, and caregiver support through local service providers.
• Each AAA covers multiple counties, ensuring regional service delivery.

Role of Michigan Aging & Adult Services Agency (AASA)

• AASA is the state oversight body for aging services in Michigan.
• It distributes funding and monitors the performance of AAAs.
• AASA also administers state-funded programs, including the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver for home- and community-based services.

Integration of Medicaid and Home Care Programs

• Some Michigan AAAs participate in the MI Choice Waiver Program, which helps seniors and people with disabilities receive long-term care services at home instead of in a nursing facility.
• The AAAs also work closely with Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Programs (MMAPs) to provide counseling on health benefits.

Aging & Disability Resource Collaboratives (ADRCs)

• Michigan integrates Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) within its AAA network to provide a single-entry point for long-term care services.
• ADRCs offer information, referral services, and care coordination for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Services Provided Include:

• Home-delivered and congregate meals (Meals on Wheels)
• Transportation assistance
• Medicare/Medicaid counseling (MMAP program)
• Case management and in-home care services
• Caregiver support and respite care
• Legal assistance for seniors
• Long-term care ombudsman services
• Senior employment and volunteer programs

Comparison with Other States

Similarities:

• Federal Oversight:
  • Like all states, Michigan’s AAAs operate under the Older Americans Act (OAA) and receive funding from the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
  • Programs such as nutrition assistance, transportation, and caregiver support follow national standards.
• Regional Service Delivery:
  • Michigan’s 16 AAAs cover multiple counties, similar to states like North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where regional AAAs manage service coordination for several counties.
• Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs):
  • Michigan has ADRCs that provide a single-entry point for aging and disability services, similar to Minnesota, Oregon, and New Jersey, where AAAs integrate disability services into their networks.
• Emphasis on Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS):
  • Like Oregon, Massachusetts, and Washington, Michigan prioritizes aging in place by supporting home care over institutional care.

Differences:

• More Medicaid Integration Through MI Choice Waiver
  • Michigan’s AAAs have a stronger role in Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS) compared to many states.
  • Unlike states like Texas and Florida, where private Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) handle Medicaid services, Michigan’s AAAs help manage Medicaid waiver programs directly.
• Regional Planning Commission Model
  • Some Michigan AAAs are structured within regional planning commissions, unlike most states where AAAs are independent non-profits or government entities.
• Fewer AAAs Than Some Large States
  • Michigan has 16 AAAs, covering large geographic regions, while states like California (28 AAAs) and Texas (28 AAAs) have more localized agencies.
• Integration of Senior and Disability Services
  • Unlike some states where aging and disability services are separate, Michigan’s AAAs work closely with Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and disability networks.

Conclusion

Michigan’s 16 AAAs provide federally and state-funded aging services, with a strong emphasis on home-based care, Medicaid waiver programs, and regional service delivery. The Michigan Aging & Adult Services Agency (AASA) plays a key oversight role, ensuring efficient coordination between AAAs, Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), and local service providers.

Compared to other states, Michigan’s system is more involved in Medicaid home- and community-based services and has a regional planning structure for some AAAs. However, it has fewer AAAs than some large states, meaning each AAA serves multiple counties over larger regions.

List of Area Agencies on Aging in Michigan