Missouri Council on Aging News
Missouri Council on Aging Responds to the State Recceiving $216 Million Rural Health Award
The Missouri Council on Aging (MCoA) responded to the State of Missouri’s award: More than $216 million in funding through the federal Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program.
Missouri Aging Advocates Unite for 2026 Joint Advocacy Day at State Capitol
The Missouri Council on Aging (MCoA), in partnership with the Missouri Silver Haired Legislature (SHL) and the Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging (MA4), will host a Joint Advocacy Day on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Missouri State Capitol. The Kickoff event will be virtual on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Through Zoom, we’ll walk through advocacy tools, tips, and techniques to help you feel prepared and confident for Joint Advocacy Day the following week! New and experienced advocates will learn about resources needed to make their voice heard on issues impacting Missourians. Register Here
Missouri Council on Aging Announces Learning Lab on Ethics of Healthcare Decision-Making in Dementia
The Missouri Council on Aging (MCoA) announces the upcoming Learning Lab on December 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., featuring Ryan Pferdehirt of the Center for Practical Bioethics. The session will address the ethics of healthcare decision‑making in dementia, offering guidance for families, caregivers, and professionals navigating complex choices.
Missouri Council on Aging Joins Lt. Governor Wasinger in Columbia for “Protect Our Seniors” Tour Event
The Missouri Council on Aging is proud to join Lt. Governor David Wasinger in Columbia for the “Protect Our Seniors” Tour, highlighting efforts to prevent elder abuse and support older Missourians. Executive Director of MCoA, Stacy Morse, spoke at the event about the importance of protecting older adults and people with disabilities from fraud and abuse.
MCoA Learning Lab Event: MO Treasurer's Office - MOABLE Accounts
The Missouri Council on Aging (MCoA) is pleased to announce its upcoming Learning Lab on Thursday, December 11th at 11:00 a.m., featuring Yvonne Rydman from the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office. This session will focus on Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts for individuals with disabilities, as well as the critical issue of financial fraud and exploitation targeting older adults and people with disabilities.
Missouri Council on Aging Hosts November 13th Learning Lab on Financial Fraud Prevention featuring the Missouri Secretary of State’s office.
The Missouri Council on Aging (MCoA) is pleased to announce its upcoming Learning Lab on Thursday, November 13, 2025, featuring a special presentation from the Securities Division of the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office. This session will provide an in-depth look at how the Division serves and protects Missourians, with a focus on identifying and reporting financial fraud—particularly scams targeting older adults.
Missouri Council on Aging to Host Veto Day
September 2nd, 2025
The Missouri Council on Aging (MCoA) will be hosting Veto Day in the Third Floor Rotunda from 11 am to 3 pm on Wednesday, September 10th.
Activities of the Day Include:
Guided Tour: There is a tour scheduled for 1 pm for participants to receive a tour of the building
Meet Your Legislators: We ask that participants find their legislators and schedule meetings ahead of time with them to introduce themselves during the day.
The Missouri Council on Aging (MCoA) is rolling out a dynamic Fall Advocacy Series
August 26, 2025
The Missouri Council on Aging (MCoA) is rolling out a dynamic Fall Advocacy Series, a three-part program designed to equip older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and service providers with the skills and knowledge to engage effectively in Missouri’s public policy process.
Upcoming Sessions Include:
Advocacy 101 Learning Lab – August 28, 2025 (webinar): A foundational session focused on how laws are made and how community members can communicate with policymakers
MCoA Veto Day – September 10, 2025 (in-person at the State Capitol): Offers a unique opportunity to tour the Capitol, meet legislators, and participate during Missouri’s Veto Session.
Advocacy 202 Learning Lab – September 11, 2025 (webinar): Builds on the first session with advanced strategies from aging and disability experts, covering relationship-building with legislators, organizing site visits, and sustaining advocacy momentum.
Missouri Master Plan on Aging Seeks Final Input from the Public
August 26, 2025
The Missouri Council on Aging (MCoA), in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and local Area Agencies on Aging, is inviting public review and feedback on the draft Missourians Aging with Dignity: Master Plan on Aging (2026–2035). This ten-year roadmap envisions a Missouri where all older adults age safely, with dignity, and within the communities they call home. Public comments are accepted through September 15, 2025, via email at MOStatePlanOnAging@health.mo.gov or the state’s online portal. The final plan will be submitted to Governor Mike Kehoe before year’s end.
Missouri Council on Aging Responds to Social Security’s Policy Reversal on Paper Checks
August 15, 2025
The Social Security Administration will continue paper checks in limited cases. The Missouri Council on Aging supports modernization but urges reinvestment and accessibility.
MCoA will be hosting a Learning Lab about the changes on on September 16, 2025 to help Missourians understand the changes and their options.
Missouri Council on Aging Supports Senior Levy Funds and the Services Provided
The Missouri Council on Aging (MCoA) is accepting proposals from organizations to lead a local coalition in a rural Missouri county. Selected groups will work toward placing a senior tax levy or sales tax on the ballot to fund critical services for residents aged 60+, such as home-delivered meals, in-home care, transportation, and senior center operations.
“Senior levy funds are a proven, local solution that help older Missourians age in place with dignity,” said Stacy Morse, Executive Director of MCoA. “With state and federal funding facing cuts, it’s critical we give rural communities the tools to secure their own long-term support for older residents.
Missouri Council on Aging backs Master Plan on Aging, urges Missourians to weigh in
July 29, 2025
With Missouri’s older adult population expected to grow nearly 20 percent by 2030, the Missouri Council on Aging (MCoA) announced Tuesday it is supporting the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services’ (DHSS) efforts to finalize a statewide Master Plan on Aging. The plan will serve as a roadmap for meeting the needs of seniors across the state while preventing future fiscal crises.
Beginning this week, there will be a series of six in-person town halls and two virtual sessions where Missourians will have the chance to review the draft plan and provide feedback. MCoA, a nonpartisan nonprofit advocacy group, encourages older adults, caregivers, and professionals to participate in the process.
“This plan represents an important step toward making Missouri a place where everyone can age well,” said Stacy Morse, Executive Director of MCoA. “We strongly support the Department’s leadership on this effort and urge Missourians to attend a town hall or virtual session. Public input is critical to ensuring this plan reflects real needs in our communities.”
Missouri Council on Aging to Host Learning Lab on New Medicare Benefit for Community Care Partnerships
May 28, 2025
The Missouri Council on Aging (MCoA) is pleased to announce its next Learning Lab event, “Unlocking New Medicare Opportunities: Partnering to Address Community Care Needs,” taking place virtually on Thursday, May 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (CT).
This session will spotlight the new Community Health Integration (CHI) benefit, introduced in the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, and how it offers community-based organizations and clinical providers an opportunity to work together in addressing health-related social needs for Medicare beneficiaries.
Missouri Council on Aging Hosts Legislative Recap Featuring Key Capitol Guests
May 20, 2025
The Missouri Council on Aging (MCoA) is proud to welcome Missouri State Representative Pattie Mansur (District 25), Chris Dunn, Chief of Staff to House Budget Chair Representative Dirk Deaton, and Lindsey Baker, Research Director at the Missouri Budget Project, as special guests for its next Learning Lab on Thursday, May 22nd, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM (CT).
The Learning Lab will offer advocates, professionals, and community members a high-level overview of the 2025 Missouri Legislative Session.
MCoA joins partners in recognizing the impact of the dismantling of the Administration for Community Living
April 9, 2025
The Missouri Council on Aging (MCoA) is proud to join forces with partners across the state to highlight the positive impact of programs funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). It was announced on March 27th that the ACL would be drastically restructured and programs would move into other government departments.
Through vital initiatives like Meals on Wheels, technology assistance, case management, and caregiver support, partners rely on ACL funding to help older Missourians and individuals with disabilities live in the community of their choice.
The letter underscores the critical role of ACL funding in helping Missouri's disability and aging network meet growing needs with compassion and efficiency. You can view the letter by clicking the button below.
Missouri Council on Aging Welcomes New Executive Director
March 12th, 2025
The Missouri Council on Aging (MCoA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Stacy Morse as its new Executive Director. With an extensive background in public policy, education, and advocacy, Morse is set to lead the organization into a new era of impact and innovation for Missouri’s aging population.
Morse brings a wealth of experience to MCoA, having served in leadership roles across multiple sectors, including government, education, and nonprofit advocacy. Her distinguished career includes a decade in the Missouri Senate, where she served as Chief of Staff to the Senate Minority Floor Leader, advocating for legislative initiatives that improved the lives of Missourians. Morse holds a Master of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis in Public Policy from the University of Missouri-Columbia, as well as a Paralegal Certificate from Ashworth College.
"We are thrilled to welcome Stacy Morse as MCoA’s next Executive Director,” said Tina Uridge, President of the MCoA Board of Directors. “Stacy’s extensive experience in government and nonprofit management, advocacy initiatives, and her passion to empower older adult and disability networks across Missouri make her the ideal leader to guide us forward."
Prior to joining MCoA, Morse was a Project Coordinator for the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council, where she managed federal grants, spearheaded policy initiatives, and facilitated advocacy training programs. She also served as Administrator of Virtual Education for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), overseeing statewide virtual learning programs. Additionally, Morse’s experience as an educator, adjunct professor, and published children’s author reflects her dedication to education and community engagement.
As Executive Director, Morse will work closely with the Board of Directors, advocacy groups, and community stakeholders to drive MCoA’s strategic vision. She will oversee the organization’s programs, initiatives, and partnerships to enhance resources and policies that support Missouri’s aging population. Her vision includes expanding programs that directly address the needs of Missouri's aging population and disability networks, ensuring they have access to essential resources and support.
“I am honored to join MCoA and lead efforts to create a more age-inclusive Missouri,” said Morse. “Our state’s aging population is growing rapidly, and I am committed to ensuring that all Missourians have access to the services, advocacy, and resources they need to age well.”
MCoA serves as a leading voice for Missouri’s older adults, advocating for policy changes and programs that address key issues such as healthcare access, financial security, and social inclusion. Through partnerships with organizations like the Marillac Mission Fund, Missouri Foundation for Health, and Retirement Research Foundation, MCoA continues to champion the rights and well-being of older Missourians.
For more information about MCoA and its mission, visit www.missouricouncilonaging.org