VT H0800

Consolidates Vermont's multiple regional area agencies on aging into a single, statewide area agency on aging responsible for developing and implementing services, supports, and protections for older Vermonters, family caregivers, and kinship caregivers

Requires the statewide agency to coordinate with local service providers including senior centers, Meals on Wheels programs, community action agencies, and parent-child centers through cooperative agreements with minimal administrative costs and clear accounting of Older Americans Act funds

Mandates coordination with Agency of Human Services field offices to utilize existing administrative infrastructure and ensure statewide service availability

Adds new agency duties including developing statewide eligibility criteria for home-delivered and congregate meals, recognizing direct service providers in marketing materials, and reporting annually by January 15 on enrollment numbers and service denials

Takes effect October 1, 2026, aligned with the new State Plan on Aging effective date