MA H4558

Establishes a special commission to study the aging disabled adult population in Massachusetts, co-chaired by one House member and one Senate member

Commission membership includes state officials (Executive Office of Aging and Independence, Housing and Livable Communities, Public Health) plus representatives from 9 advocacy organizations including AARP Massachusetts, LGBTQIA+ Aging Project, and Massachusetts Senior Care Association

Governor appoints 5 members: an elder law attorney, a disability policy expert, and 3 aging disabled adults, with required geographic representation from Cape Cod, western Massachusetts, and central Massachusetts

Commission duties include studying health, housing, financial, and long-term care needs; examining policies affecting access to services; assessing funding needs; and recommending community-based alternatives to institutional care

Reports due to the governor and legislature by December 31 in even-numbered years; commission may accept gifts, grants, and federal funds deposited in a separate state account