The MN Board on Aging (MBA) plans to file a one-year waiver request to the Administration on Community Living (ACL), the federal source of funding for Older Americans Act grants, in an effort to better assess the current and future needs of older Minnesotans while continuing to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MBA develops and publishes a comprehensive State Plan on Aging every four years. The current four-year plan is set to expire September 30, 2022. The MBA, submits this plan with the purpose of:

• documenting achievements and planned activities related to state’s long-term supports and services planning efforts;
• translating activities, data and outcomes into proven best practices to leverage additional funding;
• providing a blueprint for programs and services for older adults; and
• building capacity for long-term care efforts in Minnesota.

In an effort to achieve these purposes and to better serve aging populations in Minnesota, MBA is filing for a one-year extension. MBA will use the extra time to continue to address the current needs of the pandemic, evaluate the most up-to-date census data (which has been delayed because of the public health emergency) and solicit greater input from community partners and hard to serve communities.

This release serves as a public notice of this waiver request and provides opportunity for public comment. If you would like to provide comment or seek further information, please submit it to MBA.AreaPlan@state.mn.us.