News | September 18, 2025 2026 Federal funding changes for aging services Stay current with healthcare and senior care provider regulatory trends, news and solutions delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter. Keep me informed Get Solutions Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. FY2026 APPROPRIATIONS There are less than three weeks of legislative session days in September before the new fiscal year starts on Oct. 1 for Congress to resolve F26 funding For fiscal year 2026, the federal funding landscape for aging services is facing major shifts—mostly holding flat for core programs, with targeted cuts and eliminations impacting critical supports for older adults. Immediately upon returning from the August recess, the House Appropriations Committee advanced the FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) bill. Most Older Americans Act (OAA) programs will see level funding or small increases in the House and Senate proposals, especially for supportive services, senior centers, nutrition, caregiver support, programs for Native Americans, and elder rights protections Read some of the highlights from the Labor-HHS bill House Appropriators recently approved Medicaid, Medicare, and Other Services Multiple bills and the administration’s budget proposals will sunset the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) in 2026, reducing Medicaid funds for states. There will be new administrative requirements for Medicaid eligibility, and work requirements will be imposed on most recipients starting January 2027, except for those over 64, tribal members, or medically frail individuals. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBBA) includes a new Rural Health Transformation Program with $50 billion in grants, but also sizable overall Medicaid funding cuts, especially in rural areas. These changes signal an era of tighter federal support for aging services in 2026, with substantial advocacy needed to defend vulnerable programs and ensure continuity of care for older adults. POLICY Long-Term Care Advisory Commission to address growing challenges in senior careFormally proposed through the Supporting Our Seniors Act, the bipartisan initiative proposed by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and John Boozman (R-AR), the commision is designed to: Advise Congress on improving long-term care service delivery, financing, and workforce adequacy. Assess coverage gaps, especially for individuals not eligible for Medicaid. Explore financing options for low- and middle-income seniors. Strengthen workforce stability in caregiving professions. Empower caregivers and patients with better access to resources and choices. Composed of 12 members, appointed by the President, House Speaker, Senate Majority and Minority Leaders, members will represent diverse sectors including: Palliative and hospice care Labor and aging experts Geriatrics and long-term care insurance Caregiver and patient advocates Home- and community-based services Members would meet at least annually and could hold hearings and demand information from federal agencies in considering strategies and policy recommendations. Read the whole story KNOWLEDGE Excelas was a proud sponsor of this year’s DRI Senior Living and Long-Term Care Litigation Conference. A special thanks to all the moderators and speakers who put on this incredible conference! IN THEIR OWN WORDS Simple, powerful tool Excelas helps organizations respond accurately and quickly to claims and litigation brought against them Partnering with attorneys, health care organizations, and insurance companies since 1995, Excelas provides medical legal analyses and tools for building winning defense strategies. When expertise, accuracy, reliability, and on-time delivery count, you can count on Excelas. You can always read all our newsletters online! Post Tags: alternative models senior housing cms under dr. oz dri 2025 Excelas