State MPA Progress, Navigating Federal Policy Change & Age-Friendly Ecosystem (Feb 2026)

14 States Leading the Way on Multisector Plans for Aging

45% of adults age 65 and older—27.6 million people—now live in states with a Multisector Plan for Aging (MPA), and that number continues to grow, with 14 states leading the way. As the U.S. approaches a historic milestone where older adults will outnumber children by 2030, these 10-year action plans are helping states proactively prepare. By aligning efforts across health care, housing, caregiving, transportation, economic security, and equity, MPAs are building stronger, more coordinated systems to support older adults and ensure communities are ready for the future of aging.

Navigating Federal Changes with Multisector Plans for Aging

The Center for Health Care Strategies’ recent blog post, Navigating Federal Changes: The Value of Multisector Plans for Aging, explores how states can use Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs) to respond to shifting federal policies and funding changes under the 2025 budget reconciliation act (P.L. 119-21). As potential reductions to Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and ACA premium tax credits threaten coverage and services for older adults and people with disabilities, the blog outlines practical strategies for aligning agencies, braiding funding, coordinating new work requirements, and strengthening cross-sector partnerships. With more than half of states already pursuing MPAs, this timely piece highlights how proactive, cross-agency planning can help states protect vulnerable populations and position themselves for future opportunities. Read the full blog to learn how MPAs can build resilience during periods of policy change.

Age-Friendly Ecosystem State Snapshots 

Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) has released Age-Friendly Ecosystem State Snapshots along with updated Age-Friendly Ecosystem one-pagers to highlight the status of older adults across every state and Washington, DC. These resources provide data on the growth of the older adult population, whether states have a Multisector Plan for Aging (MPA), and the extent of age-friendly adoption across public health, health systems, communities, states, and academia. Designed to support advocacy and cross-sector collaboration, the snapshots and ecosystem materials offer valuable tools for advancing age-friendly initiatives and strengthening multisector partnerships. Explore the full set of resources to see how your state compares and identify opportunities to advance aging-focused policy and collaboration.

Upcoming Events 

ASA On Aging 2026 Annual Conference 

April 20–23, 2026 | Hyatt Regency Atlanta | Atlanta, GA

On Aging is the nation’s largest multidisciplinary conference on aging, convened annually by the American Society on Aging (ASA), bringing together thousands of professionals to advance policy, practice, and research.

MPA Featured Sessions:

How Multisector Plans for Aging Are Shaping the Aging Experience—A Stakeholder Perspective
Atlanta, GA | April 21 | 9:00–10:00 AM | Lenox Room

From Stigma to Systems Change—HIV Equity in California’s Aging Policy
Atlanta, GA | April 21 | 4:00–5:00 PM | Marietta

California’s “Overlooked Middle”—Planning for Those Aging in the Middle
Atlanta, GA | April 21 | 4:00–5:00 PM | Harris

Power of Alignment—Strengthening Aging Services Through MPA & SPA Integration
Atlanta, GA | April 21 | 4:00–5:00 PM | Hanover E

How MPAs Are Impacting the Experience of Aging—A Stakeholder Perspective
Atlanta, GA | April 23 | 9:00–10:00 AM | Lenox

Registration for On Aging 2026 is now open! 

USAging Answers on Aging 2026 Conference & Tradeshow

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.

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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

Contact us

For questions, comments, or suggestions related to MPAs or the newsletter, please do not hesitate to contact us at MPA@westhealth.org.