Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: David J. Canepa, Supervisor, District 5
Subject: Master Plan for Aging
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution urging the State of California to incorporate the needs of middle-income seniors when developing a person-centered Master Plan for Aging.
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BACKGROUND:
Governor Newsom has established an Aging Task Force to develop a Master Plan for Aging that will serve as a blueprint for State government, local communities, and private organizations to build environments that promote healthy aging. According to State projections, by 2030 more than 9 million Californians will be over the age of 65, three million more than today. Two-thirds of these seniors will have three or more chronic health conditions, 60 percent will more than likely have mobility limitations, and 20 percent will have high health care and functional needs. High income seniors have greater financial resources, and low-income seniors may be eligible for Medi-Cal long-term services and supports in addition to subsidized services. Middle-income seniors, on the other hand, have too many financial assets to qualify for Medi-Cal, but don't always have enough income to cover housing and support needs as their health and functional well-being change as they age.
DISCUSSION:
The median household income for residents 65 and older in San Mateo County is $63,516. The federal poverty guideline used to determine income eligibility for many public programs covers less than half of the basic costs experienced by adults age 65 and older in the state (the 2019 federal poverty level was $12,140 for individuals and $16,460 for married couples). The Elder Economic Index (a standard for measuring seniors' economic security in California adopted by AB 138) provides an empirically-based measure that more accurately reflects county-level costs because it includes rent, food, healthcare and tra...
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