New Data, New MPA Summits, New Conversations on Aging (June 2026)
June 17, 2026
New on West Health Mosaic: Explore the Nursing Home Domain
The Nursing Home Domain is here. As part of the National Aging Readiness Dashboard (NAR) on West Health Mosaic, this new addition brings CMS data spanning 2019 to 2026 to life through interactive visualizations — giving policymakers, researchers, and advocates the tools they need to understand long-term care across the country.
Explore nursing home availability, occupancy rates, staff-to-resident ratios, quality measures, urban/rural distribution, and public vs. private ownership structures — all at the national and state level. View raw counts, standardize figures per the 65+ population, and rank states across key metrics including quality, availability, occupancy, and trends over time. As our population ages, having clear, reliable data is essential for shaping policies that support safe, accessible, and equitable long-term care.
Dive in here and see what the numbers reveal.
First NCSL Aging Policy Summit
Last week, West Health, The SCAN Foundation and The John A. Hartford Foundation – as well as several MPA state representatives joined the National Conference of State Legislatures' inaugural Aging Summit in Milwaukee, Indiana — a full-day convening of 23 legislators and staff from 17 states focused on the benefits of multisector planning for aging. Representatives came from Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
The summit brought together a diverse group of legislators and staff to explore how multisector planning can strengthen state-level responses to an aging population. Sessions highlighted the growing need for coordinated, data-driven approaches to long-term care, workforce, housing, and health policy. We are excited to be part of this milestone convening — and to help equip state leaders with the tools and resources to act on what the data shows.
LeverAGE Podcast: The U.S. Healthcare System Through Older Adults' Eyes
The first episode of LeverAGE: Reimagining Aging, Health, and the Future of Care — a podcast series from West Health and the American Society on Aging is here.
In this conversation, Amy Herr from West Health and Ellyn Maese from Gallup examine the U.S. healthcare system through the eyes of older adults, drawing on insights from the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America. From affordability concerns and complex insurance coverage to fragmented care delivery, the episode surfaces the persistent gaps that too many older adults navigate every day — and what they mean for policymakers and healthcare leaders working to build a better system.
Available now wherever you listen to podcasts — tune in and join the conversation🎙here.
Upcoming Events
USAging Answers on Aging 2026 Conference & Tradeshow
July 18–21, 2026 | San Diego, CA
Don’t miss the USAging Answers on Aging Annual Conference and Tradeshow, the largest gathering of aging network professionals in the United States. This four-day event brings together Area Agencies on Aging, tribal aging programs, policymakers, service providers, and community partners to share insights, explore new strategies, and build meaningful connections that support older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers nationwide. With more than 100 sessions focused on innovative practices in advocacy, caregiving, housing, transportation, workforce development, social engagement, and more, attendees will gain practical tools and new ideas to strengthen aging services in their communities. Whether you’re looking to enhance program delivery, expand your professional network, or stay current on national trends and policy, this is a must-attend event.
ADvancing States 2026 Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Conference
August 23–27, 2026 | Baltimore Marriott Waterfront | Baltimore, MD
Save the date for the 2026 Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Conference, ADvancing States’ premier national event focused on strengthening long-term services and supports (LTSS). The conference convenes policymakers and HCBS leaders to share innovative practices that improve state systems. Registration opens Spring 2026—sign up to receive updates.
GSA 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting
November 4 - 7 | National Harbor, MD
Join global leaders in aging and gerontology at the GSA 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting to explore cutting-edge research, connect with peers, and advance resilience in aging science. Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate, share insights, and shape the future of healthy aging at one of the field’s premier events. Registration opens March 1.
Register here
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