A-1110 Overview

Revision 21-0; Effective January 15, 2021

The Texas Health and Humans Services Commission (HHSC) is the agency chosen to serve as the State Unit on Aging for Texas. HHSC serves as the visible advocate for all older people in Texas and oversees OAA programs administered by Area Agencies on Aging.

Funds for aging services include state general revenue under the General Appropriations Act to match federal funds received. Texas also receives housing bond fees and federal awards to administer the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) programs. Voluntary contributions from people who receive OAA services also support programs throughout Texas.

A-1120 Texas Planning and Service Areas

Revision 21-0; Effective January 15, 2021

The State Unit on Aging under the OAA divides the state into distinct planning and service areas (PSAs). There are PSAs covering all counties in Texas.

A-1130 Designation of Area Agencies on Aging    

Revision 21-0; Effective January 15, 2021

The OAA requires the HHSC to designate Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) for each PSA in the state to carry out programs for people who are 60 years or older, their families and their caregivers.

HHSC designated 28 AAAs in Texas to develop and administer plans for a comprehensive and coordinated system of services for older people in Texas, their caregivers, and their families. AAAs administer OAA programs per their contract with HHSC and with all federal and state regulations and policies.

A-1140 Reporting

Revision 21-0; Effective January 15, 2021

ACL collects data from all states and territories about programs provided through the OAA funding. HHSC collects this information from the AAAs and their subrecipients to prepare the annual State Program Report (SPR). Most of the information used to prepare this report comes from the state’s information management system.

A-1150 Policy Development

Revision 21-0; Effective January 15, 2021

HHSC establishes policy for OAA programs in its role as the designated State Unit on Aging.

This manual provides the official policies and procedures for the administration of all OAA programs and services, unless specifically excluded in A-1200, Other Older American Act Programs.

Related Policy
Other Older American Act Programs, A-1200

A-1160 Compliance Monitoring

Revision 21-0; Effective January 15, 2021

HHSC, a recipient of federal grants, monitors AAAs for compliance with a variety of federal regulations to ensure programs are financially and programmatically accountable.

Monitoring ensures AAAs and their subrecipients use OAA awards for authorized purposes, in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward. It also ensures they achieve performance goals.