Origins and Development of Missouri's Master Plan on Aging
Recognizing a significant demographic shift, former Governor Mike Parson established the Master Plan on Aging (MPA) in January 2023 through an executive order. The plan, referred to as "Aging with Dignity," is a comprehensive, 10-year strategy scheduled to run from 2026 to 2035. Its development has been an intensive, multi-phase effort guided by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).
Key to the plan's creation was extensive public participation. An advisory council and seven subcommittees, composed of subject matter experts and community members, were formed to assess existing resources and identify gaps in services. Feedback was gathered through numerous town hall meetings and a statewide needs assessment survey conducted in 2024, involving over 130,000 residents.
Core Focus Areas and Goals of the Plan
The Missouri Plan on Aging is built around seven core focus areas, each designed to address a critical aspect of senior and caregiver support. The overall goal is to help all older adults access programs and services to age with dignity in their preferred environment. These areas include:
Whole Person Health
This pillar focuses on providing holistic healthcare services for older adults.
Housing and Aging in Place
This area promotes safe and healthy living arrangements, including in-home services.
Family Caregivers
The plan provides training and resources for family caregivers.
Transportation and Mobility
This addresses access to reliable transportation for essential services.
Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS)
The plan expands access to information and various long-term care options.
Daily Life and Employment
This area offers opportunities for employment, recreation, and civic engagement.
Safety and Security
The plan prioritizes protection against abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Comparison of Missouri's Senior Services
| Feature | Missouri Master Plan on Aging | Missouri Senior Resource Line | Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | Comprehensive, cross-sector, strategic framework for state policy. | Information and referral service for local resources. | Comprehensive healthcare and social services for eligible participants. |
| Timeframe | 10-year, forward-facing plan (2026-2035). | Ongoing service based on need. | Ongoing for eligible Medicaid/Medicare enrollees. |
| Focus | Holistic approach addressing a broad range of aging issues. | Connecting individuals with specific, local services. | Maintaining independence for older adults to remain in their homes. |
| Eligibility | Impacts all older Missourians, with specific programs for different demographics. | Serves all Missouri seniors and caregivers seeking resources. | Administered by MO HealthNet and Medicare for those who qualify. |
| Led By | Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). | Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) after zip code input. | MO HealthNet and Medicare. |
How to Access Services and Get Involved
To access services under the Missouri Plan on Aging, contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). There are 10 AAAs covering all Missouri counties, and they are knowledgeable about available programs. The Missouri Senior Resource Line is a central point of access; you can connect to your local AAA by entering your zip code.
For program specifics, like the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), you may need to contact the Department of Social Services. Additional information and ways to engage are available on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) website.
Conclusion
The Missouri Plan on Aging is a proactive and comprehensive 10-year strategy designed to address the complex needs of the state's aging population. By focusing on seven key areas—Whole Person Health, Housing, Caregivers, Transportation, LTSS, Daily Life, and Safety—the plan lays out a roadmap to ensure that older adults can age with dignity, safety, and independence. With robust public input and collaboration across government and community organizations, this initiative aims to create a supportive infrastructure that will benefit generations to come. Final comments on the plan were due in late 2025, with final implementation of the 10-year plan (2026-2035) to begin shortly after.
Additional Resources
- Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: The official source for information on the Master Plan on Aging and various senior services.
- Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging (ma4): A key partner in the plan's development and a hub for information and advocacy.
Note: The content reflects the planning and public comment phase leading up to the final plan's December 2025 submission. Specific programs and implementation details are subject to the finalized document.
