PLAN Act of 2026

This legislation mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and implement a comprehensive public education initiative. This initiative, integrated into the National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information, aims to raise awareness among the public, including working-age adults and individuals with disabilities, about the critical need to plan for future long-term care during retirement.

The initiative's primary goals include providing accurate and objective information on long-term care risks and options, such as home- and community-based services and institutional care. It will also offer accessible resources to help individuals evaluate financial, housing, caregiving, and service-related planning options, including advance planning and information on federal and state resources, making these available to family caregivers.

To achieve its objectives, the program will employ a variety of outreach strategies, encompassing traditional media, digital platforms, and social media with diverse engagement methods like videos and infographics. It will also establish community-based education programs through partnerships with state and local governments, healthcare providers, employers, and community organizations, including targeted outreach to populations at higher risk for financing shortfalls.

The Secretary is required to establish funding and other partnerships to enhance the initiative's reach and effectiveness. Furthermore, HHS must submit an initial report to Congress within one year detailing the implementation plan, performance metrics, and target populations, followed by annual reports on progress, changes in public awareness, and recommendations for improvement, with funding drawn from the Older Americans Act.