As Kansas prepares for the 2026 legislative session, the Johnson County Commission on Aging has announced the development of its 2026 Legislative Priorities, focusing on areas that support older adults’ access to services and overall quality of life.

With the state’s aging population steadily increasing, the COA has taken a proactive role in identifying key issues, supporting sustainable funding and advocating for programs that protect the health, independence and dignity of older Kansans. These priorities will guide the commission’s engagement with state policymakers, community partners and stakeholders throughout 2026.

State Issues

1. Tax relief for low-income older adults

• Supports continued expansion of the eligibility of the current Homestead Act and SAFESR programs that give property tax relief to older adults.
• Affordable and accessible housing for older adults.

2. Voting accessibility

• Protection of voting accessibility for older adults.

3. Expand Medicaid in Kansas

• Supports expanding Medicaid to reduce Johnson County expenses and out-of-pocket expenses for older adults by eliminating the health insurance coverage gap.

Federal Issues

1. Renewal of the Older Americans Act

• Johnson County receives $2.3 million from the OAA and that amount is at risk. It would lead to programs being reduced or eliminated.

2. Medicare counseling

• Supports additional federal funding for the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas for older adults ages 65 and over.

Areas of Emphasis

• Transportation for older adults
• Establish Kansas Senate legislative committee and reestablish House legislative committee on older adult issues
• Elimination of KPERS 3 by moving these employees to KPERS 2 In addition to setting legislative priorities, the COA held elections for its slate of officers for 2026.

Ben Harber will serve as COA chair and Ruth Hopkins will serve as vice-chair. Harber and Hopkins will begin their new roles at the January COA meeting. Cindy Green is the outgoing COA chair, a role she held for 2 1/2 years. In 2025, three new COA members were appointed to the commission: Marvin Singleton, Paul Lewis and Richard Hellman. Additional information about the COA can be found at jocogov.org/coa.