Frequently Asked Questions for Milestones

There are six state-designated area agencies on aging (AAA) that are charged with providing services to older Iowans (60+) throughout Iowa’s 99 counties. Each has a designated service area. Milestones AAA planning and service area is made up of 17 counties: Appanoose, Clinton, Davis, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Muscatine, Scott, Van Buren, Wapello and Wayne.  In addition to the meals program, Milestones offers many other services, resources, and assistance, all of which serve the goal of helping older Iowans participate in their own communities and remain living safely and independently in their own homes for as long as they choose. 

Area Agencies on Aging were established in 1973 and are present in every state. Their primary function is to develop a state-approved plan for their service area, and to carry that plan out. Plans center largely on providing, through a comprehensive and coordinated system, for supportive services and nutrition services specifically targeted to assist older adults and their caregivers. Iowa’s six Area Agencies on Aging report to the Iowa Department on Aging, and the Iowa Dept. on Aging reports to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), which operates within the federal Dept. of Health and Human Services. 

Milestones services are funded through a combination of resources: Older American’s Act of 1965 (OAA) federal funding, state funds, local funds, private donations, and –importantly – the contributions of program participants. Your contribution is truly appreciated. It not only provides necessary support for the nutrition program, but it fulfills the intent of the OAA, which requires that all participants be given the opportunity to voluntarily contribute to the cost of the service provided (OAA Sec. 315.b.4.A). The heart of the OAA is to help older Americans while respecting their dignity. 

While there is no direct charge, meals and other program services are offered on a contribution basis.  Contributions are an essential funding component to sustaining all Milestones programs and services, including meals. Participant contributions represent a critical portion of Milestones operating funds and are used to support that programming area.  Participant contributions for meals received goes directly back into funding programs.

The Older American’s Act states that services paid with OAA funds must be targeted to older adults (60+) most at need. Level of need is measured by:

• Greatest Economic Need- income at or below the poverty line
• Greatest Social Need - physical and mental disabilities, language barriers, experiencing isolation (cultural, social, or geographical/rural), homebound due to illness or other incapacity, restricted in performing normal daily tasks, at risk of loss of independence
• Fraility – unable to perform at least two activities of daily living without substantial human assistance

Milestones conducts an intake and assessment process with each new consumer to assess need. Services are provided on a first come first served basis in a manner consistent with budgetary constraints. Depending upon demand and budget, Milestones may use the assessment scoring to ensure those most at risk are prioritized for service delivery.

If you are 60 or above and live within our 17-county region, you qualify.  If you are need of assistance not mentioned on this site, please call Information & Assistance at (855) 410-8622 and we will get you pointed in the right direction.

In extreme cases, often involving aabuse, Milestones can assist with securing resources to provide living essentials.  However, funding is not typically available for this type of assistance.  However, through our Information & Assistance program, Milestones can refer you to the proper resources. 

Yes, our SHIIP program provides trained volunteer experts that can discuss all Medicare options with you.

The most direct way to apply for Medicaid is online. If you need further assistance, you can make an appointment with a Milestones Options Counselor who can walk you through the process.

Milestones contracts with public transportation organizations to provide subsidized transportation service in our 17-county service area.  Call your local public transportation provide for service available in your area.

Milestones funding assistance for evidence-based programing is restricted by the Iowa Department on Aging and the U.S. Older Americans Act for those age 60+.  During the program, participants are offered an opportunity to make a voluntary donation. Participation is not dependent upon ability to contribute. For all other age groups, we offer this program to participants on a fee-for-service basis.  The fee includes all instruction and materials.  Any contribution is most appreciated. These funds are used specifically to support evidence-based programming and provide scholarships for those in special circumstances.