MCoA News
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.
Registration is open for all participants. For full program details and to register, visit the Events page at the Missouri Council on Aging’s website, you can view the full press release by clicking the button below.
Missouri Master Plan on Aging Seeks Final Input from the Public
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’s older adults, people with disabilities, their caregivers, and service providers deserve to have well-informed advocates on their side,” said Bridget Gittemeier, MCoA’s Advocacy Manager. “We’re proud to offer the Fall Advocacy Series to participants of all backgrounds and help folks feel empowered and educated through all stages of their advocacy journey.”
Registration is open for all sessions. For full program details and to register, visit the Events page at the Missouri Council on Aging’s website
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.
You can read the full press release below
Missouri Council on Aging Releases RFP
August 13, 2025
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.”
Interested applicants should plan to apply by August 22nd, 2025.
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