The National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) expresses profound concern regarding the recent announcement by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to disband the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and redistribute its critical programs across various agencies, including the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Since its inception, the ACL has been instrumental in championing the rights and well-being of older adults and individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can live independently and participate fully in their communities. The consolidation of these programs under the ACL has fostered a unified and coordinated approach to addressing the multifaceted needs of our aging population.
Hispanic American older adults represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. population. According to the Administration for Community Living, there were approximately 4.6 million Hispanic Americans aged 65 and older in 2019, making up 9% of the older adult population. This number is projected to rise sharply, reaching 19.9 million by 2060—at which point Hispanic Americans are expected to comprise 21% of the nation’s older adult population. The proposed fragmentation of the ACL’s programs threatens to disrupt the cohesive delivery of services that are vital to the health, independence, and quality of life of all older adults, particularly those within the Hispanic community. Dispersing these programs across multiple agencies risks creating inefficiencies, reducing accessibility, and diluting the focused advocacy and deliverance of aide that the ACL provides.
NHCOA urges HHS to reconsider this restructuring plan. Maintaining the integrity and centralized coordination of the ACL is essential to effectively serve the diverse and growing needs of America’s aging population. We stand ready to collaborate with policymakers to ensure that the voices of Hispanic American older adults are heard and that their rights and dignity are upheld in all decisions affecting their well-being.
About the National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA): NHCOA is the leading national organization dedicated to improving the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families, and caregivers. For over 50 years, NHCOA has been a strong advocate in the areas of economic security, health, and housing, empowering Hispanic older adults through leadership development and community engagement.
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