KDADS Receives Federal Approval for 2026-2029 State Plan on Aging

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) announced today that the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) has approved Kansas’ State Plan on Aging for the period of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2029. This four-year roadmap, developed under the Older Americans Act, outlines strategic initiatives to streamline access to vital community-based services, bolster family caregivers, and promote the independence and dignity of older Kansans.

“Approval of this plan is a significant milestone that positions Kansas to deliver even more effective, coordinated support for our aging population,” KDADS Aging Services Commissioner Kim Reynolds said. “By focusing on accessible services, caregiver resilience, and elder rights protection, we’re empowering older Kansans to age with independence and dignity while honoring the vital role of families in our communities.”

The approval, issued September 26th, underscores KDADS’s commitment to building a robust aging network that prioritizes quality services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The plan emphasizes five key goals:

• streamlining older Kansans’ access to community-based services;
• improving the health and well-being of those in greatest social and economic need;
• strengthening supports for family caregivers;
• fostering state and local partnerships for comprehensive advocacy;
• and protecting rights through education, training, and legal services to combat abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

“ADvancing States congratulates Kansas on the approval of its State Plan on Aging, reinforcing the state’s commitment to helping older adults live with dignity, independence, and choice,” ADvancing States Director of Aging Administration Yonda Snyder said. “We are pleased to support Kansas in plan development and commend the state’s leadership, stakeholders, and advocates for their collaborative work in shaping a plan that addresses both current and emerging needs of older adults and their families.”

The plan builds on Kansas’ existing aging network, which includes 11 Area Agencies on Aging serving every county, and ensures equitable resource allocation for rural areas, low-income minority older adults, and Native American elders. It also incorporates public input, performance measurements, and emergency preparedness to address evolving needs.

KDADS will continue coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to implement these priorities, promoting multipurpose senior centers, nutrition and in-home services, evidence-based health promotion, and advocacy for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

For more details on the 2026-2029 State Plan on Aging, visit the KDADS website at https://www.kdads.ks.gov/services-programs/aging/state-plan-on-aging.

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