Once again the Colorado Legislature was favorable to the needs of Colorado’s older adults, as well as the Baby Boomers whose ranks are increasing the need for senior services. The Colorado Demographer’s Office projects exponential increases in the senior population in the next 20 years. Serving older adults was a priority for Governor John Hickenlooper in this session as well as the legislature.
Under the leadership of a bill sponsored by Representative Dianna Primavera, D-Broomfield, Colorado will begin a studying the needs of older adults for the next 20-30 years. A Strategic Plan on Aging will be developed to analyze the data on the long-term impact of the demographic shift at the state and regional level. The Plan will develop options to improve the financial security and retirement preparation of the older adult population as well as look at ways to improve the infrastructure for long term care as well as in-home services. A gubernatorial appointed Commission will provide regular reports to the legislature starting in November 2016 with recommendations for legislative change.
The legislature continued the Property Tax Homestead Exemption for homeowners who are age 65 and over who have lived in their home for more than 10 years. Homeowners receive a 50% discount on the property tax that is owed on the first $200,000 of value. Individuals who have previously applied for the exemption do not need to apply. Those who have not applied should contact the county assessor by July 1, 2015 for an application on the amount due for the 2015 taxes paid in 2016.
Approximately $17 million was appropriated for the Older Coloradans Fund to support such programs as Meals on Wheels, legal services, home care, and service to serve low income individuals who are in most economic and social need. Funds are distributed through the area agencies on aging to local providers in the community.
Concerned that many providers who serve Medicaid clients limit the number of clients that are served, Senator Pat Steadman, D-Denver, was successful with a bill in directing the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to do a study every five years to review the reimbursement rates of Medicaid providers. A bill to require that Medicaid reimbursement be at least 60% of the Medicare rate was killed in committee.
Starting July 1, 2014 many Coloradoans who witnessed or were of aware of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults age 70 became mandatory reporters. Individuals who are licensed by the State of Colorado as well as employees of agencies that are licensed are required to report to law enforcement. Law enforcement is required to investigate the cases and make referrals to the county Department of Adult Protective Services. Reporting, investigation, and prosecutions have risen dramatically during the past year. This year Senator Kevin Grantham, R-Canon City was successful at expanding the requirement to include mandatory reporting of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of anyone 18 and over who has a disability.
Recognizing the need for expanded health manpower needs in the area of oral care, Representative Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, carried a bill that passed to increase the responsibilities of oral hygienists to provide tele-health services for therapeutic restoration procedures for those needing dental care. Many rural areas of Colorado are underserved with few if any dentists to provide oral care. While the bill places some limitations on the duties of hygienists, it will make more services available to those needing oral care, which has become a priority for Medicaid patients, as well as seniors and children.
Many older adults are released from the hospital with a need for home care, according to a bill carried by Representative Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge. To reduce Medicare costs associated with hospital re-admissions, annually the Affordable Care Act assesses penalties to hospitals who have too many re-admissions. The role of home care in preventing re-admissions is significant. While Medicare gives beneficiaries the right to choose the home care agency, many hospitals have preferred arrangements with home care agencies. Under the bill that was passed, hospitals will be required to notify the patient or the legal guardian of discharge including home care options, to create a discharge plan that describes the aftercare based on the patient’s ability to reside at home or another residence, and to demonstrate the aftercare instructions in a culturally competent manner. Follow-up by the hospital is also required to ensure services are being received.
For a more complete summary of the bills considered by the Colorado legislature and signed by the Governor, visit www.colorado.gov or call 303-333-3482.
~ Eileen Doherty, MS is the Executive Director of the Colorado Gerontological Society since 1982. She can be reached at doherty001@att.net.