The 2016 Colorado Legislature did not pass much new legislation that affects seniors, but they kept many of the programs that benefits older adults without cuts or changes, and can be considered a ‘win’. Colorado legislators were faced with balancing a budget, Tabor refunds and maintaining programs to bene t the citizens.
e Property Tax Homestead Exemption program was continued. is exemption provides a tax break of 50% of the first $200,000 of value on a personal residence in which the homeowner has lived for ten years and is over the age of 65. Home owners can apply at the county assessor’s office for this tax break. In 2014-15, there was an excess of approximately $1 million in the fund and was made available to older adults through the Area Agencies on Aging and helps fund programs such as transportation, home care, and meals on wheels.
e Older Coloradans Fund was funded at 2015-16 levels, thus allowing local service providers to continue serving the needs of many seniors with services that promote independence in the home and often delay the need for long term care services. Funding for these programs is available through the Area Agencies on Aging with a focus on serving those in most economic and social need.
Health Care Policy and Financing was awarded $3 million to serve non-Medicaid individuals 60 and over and whose monthly income is less than 250% of poverty with dental services. Services are provided through 21 grantees throughout the state including federally qualified health centers, private dentists who contract with community agencies, and dentists who are in private practice.
Funding was also maintained for low income seniors whose monthly income is less than $12,953, $17,560/couple, rebates on rent, heat and/or property taxes. Applications can be made through the Colorado Department of Revenue.
In 2014, many people were deemed mandatory reporters of elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation for anyone who was over the age of 70. is year the legislature expanded those protections to individuals age 18 and over who is Eileen Doherty identified as an at-risk adult. e group of people who are mandatory reporters was also expanded.
More people are caring for elders and loved ones in their own homes. e legislature passed a bill this session to address the needs of families, those providing care to the disabled and those with chronic conditions. For the next 3 years, the project is tasked with identifying the needs of families needing respite care, creating a central registry to list respite services, training for respite services, and making it easier to use Medicaid funds to provide respite services.
Transferring title to property that is owned in joint tenancy upon the death of one of the joint tenants was simplified. The surviving joint tenant has to file paperwork with the county clerk. e bill also outlines how creditors can file a claim against the estate and makes new provisions to challenge the Last Will and Testament.
Suicide in Colorado is high compared to other states, especially among the elderly. e Colorado Department of Public Health has been charged with collecting data to identify ways to reduce suicide rates. No funding was provided for this mandate, but the department is required to develop a plan by July 1, 2019 to improve training.
For more information, call 303- 333-3482. Those who need assistance with applying for any of the programs are encouraged to call for help and talk with a counselor.
~ Eileen Doherty, MS is the Executive Director of the Colorado Gerontological Society since 1982. She can be reached at doherty001@att.net