Agreement Reached to Continue Senior Services Contract with Enhanced Oversight

By ALSTD

SANTA FE, NM — The New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department (ALSTD) and North Central New Mexico Economic Development District (NCNMEDD) today announced that they have reached an agreement that will put in place critical monitoring that allows NCNMEDD to continue its contract for the administration of senior services through the end of the fiscal year.

Under a new implementation plan, the state will closely monitor the Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging (NMAAA), which is managed by NCNMEDD. This provides accountability for the NMAAA’s operations, recognizes inconsistencies, and works to ensure the appropriate use of federal and state funds. Both agencies will work together to resolve financial reporting concerns and ALTSD will continue to administer appropriate technical assistance for reimbursement requests and payments to senior providers. Under the agreement, NCNMEDD will dismiss legal action against the state agency.

During February and March, ALTSD and NCNMEDD will together hold town hall meetings with Aging Network providers, seniors, and other regional and local partners, gathering public feedback about local coordination of community services and the best path forward for New Mexico’s elders.

“It will continue to be our priority to support those who care for our seniors,” said Kyky Knowles, ALTSD Acting Cabinet Secretary. “Community-based services are vital to the health, safety, and welfare of the some of the state’s most vulnerable residents. We have to make sure that providers are receiving the support they need and ensure that taxpayer dollars are appropriately spent.”

Under the Older Americans Act, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) coordinate with a network of community-based providers at the local level to provide comprehensive services for older adults that help them stay healthy and independent. Senior providers offer services to New Mexico’s elders including: adult day care, congregate meals, home-delivered meals, respite care, and transportation. As the State Unit on Aging, it is ALTSD’s role to monitor and evaluate the performance of all programs and activities provided by AAAs.

“We are very gratified to be able to come to this agreement,” said Tim Armer, NCNMEDD Executive Director. “We look forward to working with ALTSD collaboratively and in close communication for the betterment of serving seniors throughout the state of New Mexico.”