LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2021-14 on Thursday, October 14, to establish the Health and Aging Services Administration within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The newly-established agency will provide more coordinated services to Michigan’s growing aging population by combining the former Aging and Adult Services Agency and Medical Services Administration under one umbrella within MDHHS.
“Older Michiganders deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and by dedicating resources at the state level, we can ensure they have the resources they need to have a secure retirement, access to high-quality healthcare, attainable, affordable housing, and more,” said Governor Whitmer. “The Michigan Department of Health and Human Service’s new Health and Aging Services Administration will stay laser-focused on helping aging adults thrive, coordinate effectively across agencies and departments to enact lasting change, and get things done that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
The new Health and Aging Services Administration will retain current staff positions, providing for greater collaboration thus making the delivery of MDHHS programs and services to aging adults simpler and more efficient.
Michigan has more than 2 million adults over age 60, which is nearly 25% of the state’s population. Michiganders 85 and older remains the fastest-growing age group and 37% of Michigan residents are 50 and older.
