Published August, 2023

Comments on Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Older Americans Act Regulations, RIN Number 0985-AA17, CHLP (August 2023)

Screenshot of first page of letter

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) within The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to "modernize the implementing regulations of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA)", which have not been substantially altered since 1988. 

The purpose of the changes is to improve "equity in service delivery, accountability for funds expended, and clarity of administration for the ACL and its grantees." The proposals aim to "facilitate improved service delivery and enhanced benefits for OAA participants, particularly those in greatest economic need and greatest social need consistent with the statute."

CHLP submitted these comments on August 15, 2023. The comments identify several ways in which the proposed regulations either take the specific needs of PLHIV into account but do not go far enough, or do not mention PLHIV at all. The number of older Americans living with HIV is increasing and by 2030 more than 70% of people living with HIV will be over the age of 50. These comments highlight the importance of ensuring the specific needs and vulnerabilities of aging PLHIV are included in planning for the needs of America’s aging population.