Funds sought for state agencies supporting aging Nebraskans

The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony Feb. 19 on a bill that seeks to address a budget deficit within agencies that support aging Nebraskans across the state.

LB382, introduced by Pender Sen. Glen Meyer, would amend permissible uses of the Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund to include reimbursement for the costs of services provided by the eight Nebraska Area Agencies on Aging.

The bill states legislative intent to appropriate $2 million in fiscal year 2025-26 and FY2026-27 from the fund to be used for eligible activities under the Nebraska Community Aging Services Act — such as nutrition, transportation and in-home care support services — distributed equally to each of the eight agencies.

Meyer said the bill seeks to help alleviate a $4 million dollar deficit within the agencies that provide services to over 36,000 Nebraska residents.

“Many Nebraska seniors depend on these programs in order to remain living independently and be self-sufficient in their homes,” Meyer said. “If we do [one thing] in this state, it should be to provide for the safety and well-being of those most vulnerable among us.”

Erin Arensdorf, executive director of the West Central Nebraska Area Agency on Aging and chairperson of the Nebraska Association of Area Agencies on Aging, testified in support of LB382.

She said senior centers in west central Nebraska currently are reimbursed for approximately 35% of each meal they provide. More than 20 senior centers or senior meal sites across the state have closed in the last five years, Arensdorf said, with 10 more pending closure if they do not receive more funding.

“Without additional support, meal programs will become unsustainable,” she said. “These closures may leave many seniors without a reliable source of nutrition.”

Speaking in support of the measure on behalf of AARP Nebraska, Jina Ragland said the services provided by the agencies help to prevent health complications related to food insecurity and social isolation. A lack of access to regular nutritious meals contributes to higher rates of a range of health problems, she said, such as depression, gum disease, asthma, diabetes and heart attacks.

Ragland also said the U.S. surgeon general has indicated that a lack of social connection can increase the risk of premature death as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

“It’s a public health crisis,” she said.

Kierstin Reed, CEO of LeadingAge Nebraska, also testified in support. She said the Nebraska Area Agencies on Aging allow thousands of seniors across the state to age in place while providing essential services that keep them independent, healthy and engaged in their communities.

“Investment in these programs delays or eliminates the need for higher levels of care [through] providing basic needs for older adults in their homes,” Reed said. “We need to … support their infrastructure so that they are able to provide these services in a sustainable way.”

No one testified in opposition to LB382 and the committee took no immediate action.