The Colorado legislature wrapped up the session with several initiatives that increased support for older adults.
More funding was approved for education, transportation, and the Older Coloradans Fund received an additional $4 million bringing the state’s total support to more than $26 million, this in addition to the $17 million in federal funding in the Older Americans Act.
The Joint Budget Committee funded a 25% increase in the daily reimbursement rate for assisted living residences that accept Medicaid. This is substantial, but the new rules passed by the Colorado Dept. of Public Health and the increased license fees, have some assisted living residences indicating they may be discontinuing services to Medicaid beneficiaries.
The Governor signed the Dementia Diseases and Related Disorders bill which changes statutory references from Alzheimer’s to dementia. Persons with a dementia disease or related disability are added to the missing senior citizen alert program, known as Colorado Missing Senior Citizen Alert Program.
The Governor also signed a bill to require freestanding emergency departments to give written notice to patients that the facility is freestanding and is not affiliated with a hospital or an urgent care clinic. The free-standing emergency department must screen and treat individuals regardless of ability to pay. Individuals have the right to ask questions about treatments, costs and payment options.
The bill to increase the grant amount for low income individuals 65 and over or disabled who receive the Property Tax, Rent, Heat Credit did not pass. A proposed bill to eliminate the Senior Homestead Exemption Program was not introduced, but is expected to be introduced in 2019. For a complete list of bills in the 2018 session visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills or call 303-333-3482.
~ Eileen Doherty, MS is the Executive Director of the Colorado Gerontological Society. She can be contacted at 303-333-3482 or doherty001@ att.net.