As the U.S. population is getting older and increasingly diverse, state leaders and stakeholders are pursuing high-level, cross-sector planning efforts to ensure that the needs of older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers are met over the coming decade. A multisector plan for aging (MPA) is an umbrella term for a state-led, multi-year planning process that convenes cross-sector stakeholders to collaboratively address the needs of older adults and people with disabilities. States use a variety of names for these plans (e.g., master plans, strategic plans, and aging-well plans) but all have the same goals.

The Multisector Plan for Aging Learning Collaborative, led by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), is a learning community that helps states advance their MPAs. Made possible through support from The SCAN Foundation, West Health, the May & Stanley Smith Charitable Trust, and The Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation this 12-month collaborative is currently supporting seven states — Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Texas — to build on work already underway in their states. Now in its third year, 27 state teams from across the country have participated in this unique cross-sector learning opportunity launched in 2022.

To support state success, the collaborative is providing:

• Peer-to-peer exchange that fosters the sharing of best practices and lessons;
• Access to a network of experts, including those who have helped advance MPAs in other states; and
• Technical assistance on how to build cross-sector buy-in and facilitate a collaborative MPA development process.

Cross-agency, cross-sector teams vary by state, with state teams focusing on key phases of the MPA process, including getting started with and building buy-in for an MPA, and developing, implementing, and refreshing a plan. Learn more about current and past participants.