Advocacy
Aging Ahead advocates to advance policies that effectively address the needs of aging Missourians who wish to remain as independent as possible throughout the journey of aging.
Aging Ahead’s advocacy efforts include coordinating the Silver Haired Legislators (SHL). Our SHL is one of ten delegations across Missouri and is made up of dedicated volunteers, aged 60 and greater, who advocate on behalf of older Missourians. Thanks to their hard work, many critical issues receive attention at the local and state level.
Aging Ahead also provides voter education and assistance to help ensure all are able to exercise their right to vote.
For more information about our advocacy efforts, including the Silver Haired Legislature, please contact us at 636-207-0847 or jkeith@agingahead.org.
2024 SHL Brochure
2025 Top Five Issues of Advocacy
- The Missouri Property Tax Credit (or “circuit breaker”) helps older adults and Missourians with disabilities living on fixed incomes stay in their homes by providing a credit towards the cost of their property taxes. The credit has not been adjusted since 2008 and legislators can provide meaningful help to these Missourians by making critical updates to this credit.
- Nursing home residents on Medicaid are allowed only $50 to spend for personal needs. This proposal would increase this amount to the national average of 70 and provide annual increases based upon the consumer price index.
- Currently Missouri has the very lowest excise tax on tobacco products in the nation. This proposal would provide a small increase in this tax with the proceeds going directly to address the ever growing need of transportation assistance for seniors.
- Increase Medicaid income eligibility limits for the Aged and Disabled category from 85% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 133% of FPL, in line with non-disabled adults accessing the Medicaid expansion category, a difference of around $600 a month in allowable income.
- Increase the Medicaid asset level to $10,000 for an individual and $20,000 for a couple.
You can be Part of the Process –
Part of the Solution Missouri Silver Haired Legislature Making a Difference since 1973
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CONTACTING YOUR OFFICIALS
Aging Ahead urges you to learn more about the issues that affect you most, and communicate with your elected officials. By joining with others who have similar concerns, the impact of your advocacy efforts will increase. You can look up your legislators by entering a valid Missouri mailing address or visiting the following links.