This Week's Updates
Alaska Department of Health sent this bulletin at 05/22/2026 02:58 PM AKDT
ACoA Public Member Seat Open
ACoA's Annual Older Alaskan Data Report: Available Now
The 2025 Senior Snapshot is a comprehensive data report exploring a range of Older Alaskan data from this past fiscal year, including the costs of long-term care to the number of seniors affected by scams and fraud. Thank you to all the partners and contributors who made this publication possible.
ACoA Quarterly Board Meeting May 27 via Zoom
You are welcome to join the Alaska Commission on Aging May 27 from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm for our virtual quarterly board meeting. This meeting will focus on the Older Americans Act and plans for the next State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2028-2031 State Plan for Senior Services which ACoA is responsible to complete. Agenda here. Public Comment will be at 1 p.m.
ACoA Public Member Seat: Apply Now
Alaskans are welcome to apply to join the Alaska Commission on Aging. Responsibilities include regular committee work and quarterly meetings (four per year). This seat is not age restricted.
Save the Date: Statewide Summit on Aging this October
You're invited! Please join us this fall, either virtually or in-person at Turnagain Social Club in Anchorage for the Statewide Summit on Aging October 15-17. Continuing education credits are available. Stay tuned for more information!
Interested in sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities? Please email us at doh.acoa.info@alaska.gov
Note: we have combined forces with the Aging and Disability Summit traditionally held at Special Olympics to bring you this Summit on Aging.
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority SFY28 Stakeholder Survey
Help identify key issues and themes that are important for the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority to consider in their State Fiscal Year 2028 budget development process and in planning for the future. Feedback received from the survey will inform consideration of future Trust initiatives and for the develop FY28 budget recommendations that will be presented to Trustees for consideration in August. The survey takes about 10 - 15 minutes of your time.
Submit your feedback here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CD23FS9
If you would like to review some information about the Trust and our work before you complete the survey, here are links to:
- The new Trust Strategic Plan
- Most recent Trust Annual Report (FY25)
- Strengthening the System II: Alaska's Comprehensive Integrated Mental Health Program Plan 2025-2029
Please complete the survey by the end of the day, on Friday, May 29, 2026. Please feel free to share this survey with your networks, or anyone that you think would have important information or input for the Trust to consider.
If you have any questions, email: info@mhtrust.org
AHFC: Older Alaskans Housing Needs Survey
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation is gathering information about the resources, supports and investments needed for affordable and accessible housing options for older Alaskans. Results from this study will be available in Fall 2026.
AHFC is looking for survey participants who currently live in Alaska and are 55 years or older. Friends, family and other people can help with answering the survey. Answers will be kept anonymous and individual responses will not be shared publicly.
Share your thoughts on affordable and accessible housing options. Take the survey today!
Alaska Legislative Session Results
HB 73 Complex Care Residential Homes
Alaska Public Assistance Launches Mobile-Friendly Application Portal
Alaskans can now apply for multiple public assistance programs directly from their phone through a new Application for Services that makes it easier to apply for benefits online. The application allows new applicants to apply for one or multiple public assistance programs using a single streamlined form and replaces the previous paper form and SNAP-only online application. Paper applications will continue to remain available for those who prefer that option.
Available through the Alaska Connect Portal, the application uses a smart form that tailors questions based on the programs selected by the applicant, reducing unnecessary paperwork and simplifying the process.
“This launch reflects the department’s broader effort to modernize how Alaskans connect with public assistance services,” said Commissioner, Heidi Hedberg. “Over the past several years, the Division of Public Assistance has continued to meet key modernization milestones focused on improving secure access, streamlining processes, and creating a more user-friendly experience. This new online smart form is another important step toward building a modern, reliable system that better serves Alaska’s families, seniors, and vulnerable populations.”
Applicants can use the new online Application for Services system to apply for:
- MAGI Medicaid (Modified Adjusted Gross Income)
- Medicaid (Aged, Blind and Disabled)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Adult Public Assistance (APA)
- Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP)
- Senior Benefits
- Long-Term Care
- General Relief Assistance
Applicants can also upload supporting documents directly through the application, including pay stubs, identification, birth certificates and utility expense documentation. Submitting required materials at the time of application can help reduce processing delays.
After submitting an application, users may also choose to receive confirmation by text message or email that includes the date and time their application was received.
The online Application for Services has been approved by both the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), ensuring the application meets federal requirements for the programs it supports.
Alaskans who do not have access to a mobile device or prefer in-person assistance can still apply by calling the Division of Public Assistance at 1-800-478-7778 or visiting a local office. Learn more about available services by visiting the Division of Public Assistance website at https://health.alaska.gov/en/division-of-public-assistance/
TCC Fairbanks Borough Elder Day of Caring: Apply by June 12
SAMHSA: Expanding Behavioral Health Care Access for AN Communities
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services has issued a new advisory: Expanding Behavioral Health Care Access for Alaska Native Communities.
Alaska is home to nearly half of all federally recognized tribes, many in remote areas accessible only by air or water. Specialized care such as psychiatric services is limited, forcing many to seek treatment far from home.
This SAMHSA advisory highlights two strategies to expand access: community health workers and peer support specialists. These approaches bring culturally grounded, accessible care to rural Alaska Native communities, incorporating Indigenous traditions and addressing historical trauma.
Registration is now open for Health and Action for WEAAD by the National Center on Elder Abuse. Every move and every minute is an opportunity to stand for elder justice. From May through June 15, NCEA invites you to stay active, log your activity minutes, and bring your whole community along to raise awareness of elder abuse.
Disclaimer: The information and announcements included in this email are being redistributed for informational purposes only. Our agency does not necessarily endorse or support the views, opinions, or activities of these organizations, and inclusion in this email does not imply any affiliation or recommendation.