Windsor Life
Page 12
By Eileen Doherty, MS, Executive Director of the Colorado
Gerontological Society
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 any cuts or changes, which can be considered a
“win”. Colorado legislators were faced with balancing a budget, Tabor
refunds and maintaining programs to benefit the citizens.
Even when funding is more flexible, advocates are always concerned
about maintaining funding for senior programs. Most of the funding
is discretionary, meaning if legislators need to balance the budget,
those programs are often seen as “not necessary”.
Property Tax Exemption
The Property Tax Homestead Exemption program was continued.
The Homestead Exemption provides for 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 Homestead
Exemption fund which was made available to older adults through
the Area Agencies on Aging and will help fund programs such as
transportation, home care, and meals on wheels.
Older Coloradoans Fund
The Older Coloradoans 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 help to 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
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.
Rent / Heat / Property Taxes Rebate
Funding was also maintained for low income seniors whose monthly
income is less than $12,953 ($17,560 for a couple) to provide a rebate
on rent, heat and/or property taxes. Applications can be made through
the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Mandatory Reporters of At-Risk Adults Abuse
In 2014, many individuals either by their license or the type of institution
in which they work were deemed mandatory reporters of elder abuse,
neglect and financial exploitation for anyone who was over the age of
70. This year the legislature expanded those same protections to any
individual age 18 and over who is identified as an at-risk adult. The
group of individuals who are mandatory reporters was also expanded.
[See article on page 13.]
Respite Care
More and more people are caring for elders and loved ones in their
own homes. The legislature directed a study in late 2015 and passed
a bill this session to begin to address the needs of families and those
providing care to the disabled and those with chronic conditions. For
the next three years, the project is tasked with identifying the needs of
families needing respite care, creating a central registry to list respite
services, training for those providing respite services, and making it
easier to use Medicaid funds to provide respite services.
Joint Tenancy Transfer of Title
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 to affirm that the
individual is deceased. The bill also outlines how creditors can file
a claim against the estate and makes new provisions for those who
want to challenge the Last Will and Testament.
Suicide Reduction
Suicide in Colorado is high compared to other states, especially
among the elderly. The Colorado Department of Public Health has
been charged with collecting data to identify ways to reduce suicide
rates. While no funding was provided for this mandate, the department
is also required to improve training and to develop a plan by July 1,
2019.
Assistance Programs Application Process
County departments of human services process applications for food
stamps, Medicaid, Old Age Pension and long term care. Colorado has
consistently paid fines to the federal government for taking too long
to process the applications and for the inaccuracies in processing
applications. Senator Pat Steadman led an effort to require the
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Legislators Keep Programs To Benefit Seniors
LEGISLATORS KEEP PROGRAMS TO BENEFIT SENIORS
continued on page 14
