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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Federal and State Funding Sources for Rural Healthy Aging Programs

Federal sources of funding for rural healthy aging programs vary by agency and support programs, services, capacity building, and infrastructure. Federal support includes grants, cooperative agreements, and direct loans. Examples of federal sources that support rural healthy aging programs include:

  • Administration for Community Living: Awards grants to states and organizations that provide services and support for older adults and people with disabilities. Federal grant funds are available for states and tribal organizations under the Older Americans Act. ACL's Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative provides cooperative agreement grants to states, communities, and tribal organizations that support community-based dementia care services.
  • National Institute on Aging: Supports aging research from basic science through clinical studies.
  • Health Resources and Services Administration Federal Office of Rural Health Policy: Administers local and state grants to enhance rural healthcare and offer community-based programs.
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Administers the Money Follows the Person program, which offers cooperative agreements to states to support transitions from long term care institutions to community living settings for individuals eligible for Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports. Also administered by CMS and state Medicaid agencies is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) program, which is a capitated payment model that supports comprehensive medical and social services for older adults.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture – Rural Development
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture – Food and Nutrition Service: Provides fresh produce to older adults with low incomes in rural areas through the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, and offers food assistance and education for older adults through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
  • Department of Transportation: Provides Formula Grants for Rural Areas - 5311 for capital, planning, and operating assistance to states to support public transportation in rural areas with populations of less than 50,000. The program also provides funding for state and national training and technical assistance through the Rural Transportation Assistance Program.
  • The Department of Housing and Urban Development: Funds Community Development Block Grants, which may support age-friendly infrastructure in rural communities.
  • The Veterans Health Administration – Geriatrics & Extended Care Services: Offers services through community-based organizations that support aging veterans in rural communities.

State sources of funding for rural healthy aging programs vary by state but typically flow through state agencies and departments that administer federal funds, allocate state general funds, and manage partnerships with local providers. Examples of state sources and mechanisms that support rural healthy aging include:

  • Area Agencies on Aging: Address the needs of older adults at the regional and local level through services and support (such as home-delivered meals and homemaker assistance) to support independent living.
  • State Units on Aging: Agencies of state and territorial governments designated by governors and state legislatures to administer, manage, design, and advocate for benefits, programs and services for the elderly and their families and, in many states, for adults with physical disabilities.
  • Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waivers: Provide assistance to help people get care at home or in their community instead of going to a nursing home. For example, Arkansas has a program called ARChoices in Homecare, which helps adults with disabilities and seniors age 65+ with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, moving around, cooking, and cleaning.
  • State Housing Finance Agencies: Deliver financing to meet the housing needs of low- and middle-income households, including purchase, development, and rehabilitation of affordable homes and rental apartments.

In addition to federal and state funding sources, foundations and local organizations may also offer support for rural healthy aging programs. See A Guide to Working with Rural Philanthropy for emerging practices to support rural organizations building partnerships with philanthropies.

Resources to Learn More

The John A. Hartford Foundation Resources
Website
Shares information and resources to support caregiving and healthy aging programs. Includes tools and guides, training opportunities, educational opportunities, reports, and more featuring research to help healthcare and social service professionals improve the care of older adults.
Organization(s): The John A. Hartford Foundation