AAAs Making a Difference

Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging Response to the 2026-2027 Budget  

HARRISBURG, PA – July 13, 2026 – Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging Executive Director Rebecca May Cole’s response to the recently finalized budget for fiscal year 2026-2027.

On behalf of the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging (P4A) and the more than 548,000 older Pennsylvanians we support, we want to congratulate the General Assembly on passing the $50.8 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. We recognize the difficult choices lawmakers faced this year. At the same time, we are deeply concerned that the funding for Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) remains flat.

The budget does invest in the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier (PACENET), lowering prescription drug costs for older adults, and Property Tax and Rent Rebate program (PTRR), refunding a portion of property taxes or rent older adults paid the previous year. But the investment in the AAA network that helps older adults age safely at home has not kept pace with the growing demand for these essential services. 

AAAs across the Commonwealth are already operating at a $107 million shortfall, the result of years of insufficient funding. The shortfall has forced AAAs to lay off employees, reduce hours or close senior centers, cut back or stop meal deliveries, lengthen waiting lists, and strain their capacity to deliver protective services to vulnerable older adults.  

Without the Commonwealth’s strategic investment in the AAA network, essentially flat funding combined with inflation means the deficit will only grow. This weakens the AAA network’s ability to protect older adults and support their independence and quality of life. 

Older adults are the largest population group in Pennsylvania and they deserve the support necessary to remain safe, healthy, and independent. AAAs are the lifeline for older adult services statewide. Without additional investments, that lifeline is stretched thinner every year.  

Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging remains committed to ensuring older Pennsylvanians receive the care and support they need and deserve. We look forward to working with legislators to ensure the future budgets reflect the true scale of need facing older Pennsylvanians. 

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Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging

P4A is an association representing Pennsylvania’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). P4A is dedicated to promoting excellence in the development and provision of community-based services for older adults and representing the special needs and interests of older Pennsylvanians through coordinated and collaborative efforts, including advocating for appropriate legislation, influencing policy development, and developing professional standards. Learn more at p4a.org. 

 Who are the AAAs?

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) provide critical services to roughly 548,000 older Pennsylvanians annually, ensuring access to essential programs, services, and protections, allowing them to age in their own homes.

Today, Pennsylvania is home to 3.4 million older adults, the fifth highest total in the country. It is estimated that by 2030, there will be an almost 40% increase in the number of older adults in Pennsylvania, accounting for 1 of every 3 Pennsylvanians. Yet, funding for AAAs who directly support this population has severely lagged for the last 20 years.

Area Agencies on Aging across the Commonwealth are in desperate need of increased funding to continue supporting the needs of older adults statewide.

▶️ Listen to older adults from Jefferson, Philadelphia, Bedford, Indiana, Montgomery, Westmoreland, Huntingdon, Armstrong, and Allegheny Counties plea to state legislators.

Older Adult Spotlight

“I was lost. That place saved my heart,” - Jim Overly, Older Pennsylvanian

Area Agencies on Aging provide transportation, hot meals, health care services, legal help, and socialization to older adults. These services are critical to their well-being. Read more about what these services have meant to Carolyn, Jim, Carl and Evelyn.

In the News

“The challenges faced by our aging population will only increase. We can either prepare and invest now, or we can face a crisis of care in the near future.”

P4A announces the appointment of new President of the Board of Directors.

Read a piece published by P4A’s Executive Director Rebecca May-Cole: Your View: Pennsylvania must do more to support its older residents.

Media Mentions