The Maryland Department of Aging

The Department of Aging protects the rights and quality of life of older persons in Maryland. To meet the needs of senior citizens, the Department administers programs throughout the State, primarily through local "area agencies" on aging. Area agencies administer State and federal funds for local senior citizen programs. These programs include advocacy services, health education, housing, information and referral, in-home services, and nutrition (Maryland Annotated Code Human Services Article, secs. 10-201 through 10-214).

The Department monitors and provides technical assistance to a network of nineteen area agencies on aging that serve all counties and Baltimore City. Grants of federal and State funds for local programs to serve the elderly are provided by the federal Older Americans Act (Title III), the federal Food and Agriculture Act (sec. 700), and State general funds. Area agencies also receive local funds, private donations, and contributions from program participants.

The Department of Aging works through five divisions: Budget and Fiscal Services; Client and Community Services; Continuing Care; Housing Services; and Program Development. The Department is aided by the Commission on Aging and the Financial Review Committee.

Agency History

  • In 1959, MDoA originated as the State Coordinating Commission on the Problems of the Aging (Chapter 1, Acts of 1959).
  • It was renamed Commission on the Aging in 1971 (Chapter 595, Acts of 1971).
  • The Governor's Coordinating Office on Problems of the Aging was established by the Governor in 1974.
  • In 1975, the Commission on the Aging and the Governor's Coordinating Office on Problems of the Aging merged to form the Office on Aging, a cabinet-level agency (Chapter 261, Acts of 1975).
  • In July 1998, the Office was restructured as the Department of Aging, a principal executive department (Chapter 573, Acts of 1998).

Statutory Base

Two statutes serve as the primary base for Maryland Department of Aging (MDoA) operations: Human Services Article, Title 10, Annotated Code of Maryland, and the federal Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended. The major duties assigned to MDoA under these statutes are to:

  • Administer programs mandated by the federal government;
  • Establish priorities for meeting the needs of Maryland’s senior citizens;
  • Evaluate the service needs of Maryland’s senior citizens and determine whether or not programs meet these needs;
  • Serve as an advocate for seniors at all levels of government; and
  • Review and formulate policy recommendations to the Governor for programs that have an impact on senior citizens.

MDoA Organization

MDoA receives state general funds as approved by the General Assembly and federal funds through the Older Americans Act and other sources to carry out its mission.

The partnership between MDoA and the 19 local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) provides programs and services for seniors statewide. AAAs are local governments or non-profit organizations designated by MDoA under federal statutory authority to provide for a range of services to meet the needs of older Marylanders. Each AAA is required to submit a plan for the delivery of services. Approval from MDoA is based on the AAAs having met State and federal statutory and regulatory requirements. State and federal funds are allocated to AAAs based on formulas developed by MDoA in cooperation with the AAAs.

AAAs receive additional funds through county and municipal support and other public/private contributions. AAAs provides services to seniors either directly or through contracts with other public or private organizations. While programs such as information and assistance and nutrition are available to all seniors, the increase in the number of seniors and limited public funds necessitate that services be directed first to those seniors in greatest social and economic need and those who may be at risk of institutionalization.

Our Mission Statement

The Maryland Department of Aging, partnering with the Area Agencies on Aging and other organizations, provides leadership, advocacy and access to information and services for Maryland seniors, their families and caregivers.

MDoA's Vision

The Maryland Department of Aging envisions Maryland as a State where all people are able to age with dignity, opportunity, choice and independence.

Commission on Aging

The Commission on Aging advises the Secretary of Aging about the needs of the elderly in Maryland and the work of the Department of Aging. The Commission originated as the State Coordinating Commission on the Problems of the Aging in 1959 (Chapter 1, Acts of 1959). It reformed under its present name in 1971 (Chapter 595, Acts of 1971).

The Commission's thirteen members are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor who names the chair (Code Human Services Article, sec. 10-208).

Financial Review Committee

The Financial Review Committee was created in 1985 (Chapter 752, Acts of 1985). At the request of the Department of Aging, the Committee evaluates the financial condition of providers of continuing care who are experiencing financial difficulty. The Committee recommends what action the Department should take.

The Committee's seven members are appointed to three-year terms by the Secretary of Aging (Code Human Services Article, secs. 10-463 through 10-469).

Key Goals

To ensure that older citizens are treated with dignity and respect, MDoA, through leadership, advocacy and community partnerships, has established four goals. Programs and services administered by MDoA are the vehicles for achieving the goals, which allow for flexibility and change in the way programs can be structured for future generations of seniors. The goals are:

  • Goal #1 Empower older Marylanders, their families, and other consumers to make informed decisions about, and to be able to easily access, existing health and long-term care options.
  • Goal #2 Enable older Marylanders to remain in their own homes with a high quality of life for as long as possible through the provision of home and community-based services, including supports for family caregivers.
  • Goal #3 Empower older Marylanders to stay active and healthy through Older Americans Act services and the prevention benefits under Medicare.
  • Goal #4 Ensure the rights of older Marylanders and prevent their abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Updated July 2009