1st Quarter News from the Maryland Department of Aging
March 5, 2026
| Message from Secretary Roques |
| The first few months of 2026 are off to a great start at the Maryland Department of Aging (MDOA). We aren’t just preparing for the growing older population; we are ensuring Maryland is ready to lead the way. In January, we submitted the first Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM) Annual Report. It outlines progress made since LRM was officially launched by Governor Wes Moore last July and sets our priorities for 2026. You can find the full report on our website at LRM.Maryland.gov. We’ve been busy during the General Assembly, fighting for affordable living, caregiver support, and codifying LRM into law. Our goal is to ensure supporting older Marylanders remains a permanent priority for our state’s future. I am also thrilled that Gov. Moore recently joined the Stanford Center on Longevity Century Summit to champion the value of lifelong learning. His participation highlights Maryland’s leadership in the “100-year life” movement, proving that we see our growing older population as a world-class asset. To view recordings from the Summit, including Gov. Moore’s keynote conversation with Founder of the Longevity Project, Ken Stern, visit Longevity-Project.com. The energy of these first few months has set a high bar for the rest of 2026. We are not just preparing for the future of aging; we are building it alongside you. Thank you for your continued dedication to making Maryland a state for all stages and phases of life, a state that is built of age-friendly neighborhoods and communities. |
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| MDOA testified before the Senate Finance Committee alongside the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, AARP Maryland, M4A, and LeadingAge Maryland in support of the LRM Act. Pictured from left: M4A Lobbyist Ann Ceikot, Alzheimer’s Association Director of Government Affairs Megan Peters, AARP Maryland Advocacy Director Sara Westrick, MDOA Deputy Secretary Jenna Crawley, MDOA Aging Secretary Carmel Roques, MDOA Assistant Secretary of Planning Liz Woodward, MDOA Policy Director Izzy Shycoff, MDOA Legislative Director Andrea Nunez. |
| Paving the Way for Longevity: MDOA Releases Inaugural LRM Annual Report |
| MDOA is proud to announce the release of the first LRM Annual Report. Following the landmark launch of the 10-year multisector plan, this inaugural report documents a foundational year of transformation and sets a clear, data-driven course for the state’s future. In addition to outlining priorities for the next year, the report outlines how MDOA and our sister agencies have laid the groundwork for sustained action, built trust across sectors, and created shared infrastructure that will support longevity for years to come. We invite you to view the full report and the interactive data dashboard on the LRM website: LRM.Maryland.gov. |
| Memory Care Family Checklist Can Help Caregivers Create a Care Plan |
| Caring for a loved one with cognitive challenges is a profound journey, but it shouldn’t be a lonely one. The Johns Hopkins Memory Care Family Checklist is a first-of-its-kind digital tool designed to help caregivers who are uncertain create a clear, actionable plan. A cornerstone of LRM, this collaboration between MDOA, Johns Hopkins University, and the Maryland Information Network (211) bridges the gap between high-level medical expertise and boots-on-the-ground support for thousands of Maryland families. By pairing clinically-validated research with real-time local infrastructure, the Checklist offers evidence-based guidance and individualized support tailored to each family’s unique situation. It ends the guesswork of memory care by providing direct connections to community services, including Maryland Access Point (MAP) and 211 resources, ensuring that no caregiver has to navigate these complexities alone. Read the full press release at Aging.Maryland.gov. Access the Johns Hopkins Memory Care Family Checklist at marylandaccesspoint.info/memorycare. |
| A Cornerstone of Longevity: Strengthening Maryland’s Caregiving Infrastructure |
| National Family Caregivers Month may be over, but at MDOA, our support for caregivers is a 365-day commitment. As we move through 2026, we are focused on building a stronger support system for Maryland families through practical, sustainable support. At the heart of this work is the Respite Care Ambassador Program, an MDOA-led initiative that brings together leaders from all 19 Area Agencies on Aging, alongside partners from the Maryland Departments of Disabilities and Health. Our ambassadors are currently training with local and national experts to learn the best ways to get help and resources to Maryland families. Their goal is simple: to make sure every caregiver in Maryland gets the same high-quality, personal support, including respite services, no matter which county they call home. This work is made possible by the ACL Caregiver Implementation Grant awarded to Maryland in 2024. Visit LRM.Maryland.Gov to meet our ambassadors and learn how this program is strengthening caregiving across Maryland. |
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| Mollie Wisniewski (middle), MDOA Caregiver Program Manager and Chair of the Maryland Commission on Caregiving, recently appeared on WMAR’s Midday Maryland. She was joined by Commissioner Shari Bailey (right), founder of the nonprofit Laila’s Gift and a Family Caregiver representative on the Commission. Together with host Elsa M., they discussed the Commission’s vital work and the essential role caregivers play across Maryland. |
| Medicare Changes You Need to Know |
| Stay informed and take charge of your health coverage as we see significant shifts in the Medicare landscape. If you or a loved one are on Medicare, here is a quick breakdown of the major updates taking effect in 2026: Part D Out-of-Pocket Cap: You’ll pay no more than $2,100 for covered prescription drugs.Standard Premium and Deductible Increase: The standard Part B premium is now $202.90 (up from $185.00 last year). Negotiated Prices: For the first time, Medicare has negotiated lower prices for 10 high-cost drugs (including popular ones like Eliquis, Jardiance, and Januvia). Vaccines: Most recommended adult vaccines (like Shingles and RSV) continue to be available at $0 cost.Insulin: Monthly costs remain capped at $35 for a one-month supply of covered insulin, with no deductible.Doctor Directory Accuracy: If you joined a Medicare Advantage plan based on a doctor being listed in Medicare Plan Finder who actually wasn’t in-network, you now have a special three-month window to switch plans.Telehealth Coverage: Medicare will cover telehealth services through December 31, 2027. Medicare is constantly changing, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Reach out to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to ensure you’re getting every benefit you deserve. Visit aging.maryland.gov/SHIP to contact a local SHIP counselor for non-biased, free, and confidential support. |
| Energy was high as MDOA welcomed nearly 40 Maryland SHIP program managers, assistant managers, and counselors from across the state for an in-person strategy session. Last year, the SHIP team provided 17,750 counseling sessions, helping Marylanders navigate the complexities of Medicare. |
| Take Advantage of Tax Credits & Deductions |
 This tax season, make sure you claim every dollar you’ve earned when filing your 2025 tax returns. From the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to the brand-new Senior Deduction, there are important updates to keep in mind when filing your returns this year.The Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)The EITC provides a refund of up to $4,000 for low- to moderate-income workers, including part-time, seasonal, and state ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) filers. Claiming this credit will not impact your eligibility for other benefits like SNAP or housing assistance.To receive the EITC, you must complete the specific credit section on your Maryland state tax return, even if you claimed the federal version. Before submitting your taxes, double-check your final summary to ensure the credit is applied. Learn more atMarylandComtroller.gov/EarnedIt. New for 2026: The $6,000 Senior DeductionStarting with your 2025 tax returns, Marylanders aged 65 or older can now deduct an additional $6,000 from their taxable income ($12,000 for qualifying married couples). This “senior bonus” is available whether you itemize or take the standard deduction.The full deduction applies to individuals earning under $75,000 (or $150,000 for couples), with a gradual phase-out for higher earners. No special application is needed. Simply check the “65 or older” box on your return to ensure the benefit is applied automatically.For free tax assistance, check with your local library, reach out to the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Service at TaxAide.AARPFoundation.org, or visitMarylandComtroller.gov/About/Locations. |
| Discover the Power of Nutrition, Connection, and Community |
 This March, MDOA joins the Administration for Community Living to celebrate the anniversary of the Senior Nutrition Program. This year’s theme, “Serving Up Solutions,” highlights how local programs adapt to meet community needs, from providing nutritious meals to creating opportunities for older adults to stay engaged and independent.Through federal Older Americans Act funding, MDOA supports a network of 19 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that provide congregate meals at over 192 local sites, including senior and community centers, apartment complexes, adult day care and congregate housing sites. In addition, many AAAs offer home-delivered meals for the homebound. Beyond healthy eating, these programs foster meaningful social connections and serve as a gateway to vital services, including falls prevention and chronic disease management. We encourage you to visit your local senior center or call MAP Link to discover community meals, wellness workshops, and cooking demonstrations. To find your nearest center, view our statewide directory here. To access meal programs in your area, contact MAP Link at 1-844-627-5465 or visit marylandaccesspoint.211md.org. |
| MAP Link Provides Warm Handoff |
 Whether you are an older adult seeking independence or a caregiver looking for relief, MAP is your primary gateway to essential services. Through MAP Link, you can access professional options counseling, specialized caregiver training, and vital community resources for aging in place.We know that for many Maryland families, the biggest hurdle is often the “calling loop,” or the frustration of repeating personal information and health history to multiple agencies. To solve this, MDOA has modernized the MAP system with a new “warm handoff” referral process. Now, when you call the MAP Link line, our staff at 211 and the Life Crisis Center will gather your information and send it directly to your local MAP office. A MAP representative will call you back within 48 hours with the specific resources you need, ensuring a seamless connection to support. Access support today by calling the MAP Link at 1-844-627-5465 or visitingmarylandaccesspoint.info. |
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| Please join us in welcoming Ivys Saunders and Inga McCaskill to the MDOA family! Joining us through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), they bring a wealth of experience to our front desk and constituent services team. |
| Maryland Reports Significant Decrease in Overdose Deaths Among Older Adults |
| New provisional data from the Maryland Overdose Data Dashboard reveals significant improvements in overdose outcomes, particularly among older Marylanders who have historically faced the highest risks. Overall drug overdose deaths in Maryland decreased by 26 percent last year, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline. With 1,315 reported deaths in 2025, the state has reached its lowest level in a decade—a 53 percent drop from the historic high of 2,800 in 2021. The data highlights a notable shift for the demographic most impacted by this crisis, as overdose deaths among non-Hispanic Black men aged 55 and older fell from 138.1 per 100,000 individuals in 2024 to 98.6 last year. Despite this progress, the Maryland Overdose Response Advisory Council emphasizes that critical work remains, as overdose rates for this group remain three times higher than those of white men in the same age category. For those struggling with substance use or experiencing a behavioral health crisis, help is available by calling or texting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. More information and the state’s response efforts can be found in the offical press release from Gov. Moore. |