New Massachusetts budget includes AARP wins

The budget Governor Maura Healey signed this week includes funding for services critical to Massachusetts residents 50+ .

AARP Massachusetts sent a letter to the governor highlighting the programs that are important to the Commonwealth’s seniors and urged her to sign the budget into law. You can read the letter here.
The Fiscal Year 2024 budget includes significant funding increases to services crucial to Bay State residents 50+:

• Supportive Senior Housing
• Elder Home Care
• Elder Nutrition
• Councils on Aging

The budget also made some policy changes that will help residents 50+ and their families.

• Eliminates Medicare Savings Plan Asset Cap
  Acceptance to the state’s Medicare Savings plan (known as MassHealth Buy-In) will now depend on income levels; assets will no longer be used in the determination.
• Expands LGBTQIA+ Virtual Senior Center Funds virtual senior center for LGBTQIA+ older adults.
• Long Term Care Actuarial Study
  Funds an independent study of long term care financing in Massachusetts.
• Dementia Care Coordination Program
  Funds Alzheimer’s Association dementia care coordination program.
• Operation ABLE
  Funds training programs and employment services for older job seekers.

AARP Massachusetts looks forward to working with Governor Healey on these programs and services that are beneficial to the Bay State’s aging population.


AARP Massachusetts’ budget priorities include programs and services that recognize and support the critical role of family caregivers; help people stay in their own home and community; strengthen the financial security of Massachusetts residents; and encourage age-friendly communities.

If you’d like to know more about our priorities or if you’d like to help with our advocacy work at the state house, please email ma@aarp.org.