California outlines steps toward an aging/disability "No Wrong Door" system and statewide data hub

The California Department of Aging told the joint hearing it is moving to build an aging and disability “No Wrong Door” to help older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers find services across programs and regions.

Mark Beckley, chief deputy director at CDA, described four core components of typical No Wrong Door systems: a centralized statewide website with searchable local providers, trained aging and disability resource navigators, a statewide provider network, and clear branding and outreach. CDA established a state leadership council with the Department of Rehabilitation, DHCS, DSS and DDS as co‑partners and contracted a consultant to research best practices from other states.

CDA has launched a $5 million statewide data repository to collect and analyze information on aging programs, with the aim of assessing service capacity and gaps. The department said the system can be built administratively and that MOUs would be useful in formalizing local partnerships; however, Assemblymember Jackson pressed CDA and LAO staff for clearer timelines, milestones and, if necessary, legislation to lock in implementation across future administrations.

Area agency and ADRC representatives said the ADRC network is the practical starting point for No Wrong Door, and asked for an additional $15 million in 2025–26 to expand navigators into underserved regions. Christina Mills of the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging said the current $10 million baseline for ADRCs is insufficient for statewide coverage and that the requested augmentation would be a down payment toward a fully built system estimated at roughly $62 million.

Legislative staff and the LAO offered to work with CDA on next steps and recommended that the Legislature consider codifying milestones and ensuring sustained funding to avoid losing momentum across administrations.