Denver, CO. Low income seniors fared well in the 1998 legislative session. Legislators were sympathetic to many of the seniors causes and the governor agreed. Among others, at issue were pensions, heat and tax rebates, Medicaid, and diabetes.

HCR 1001 (Rep Pankey and Sen Wham) was designed to eliminate individuals ages 60-64 from receiving Old Age Pension. Individuals on OAP receive $533 per month in income and have less than $2000 in resources. This bill passed the house, but was postponed indefinitely in the Senate.

The defeat of this resolution was of particular importance to low income individuals who are unable to work, have significant health problems, or are disabled.

Although the legislative effort was defeated, Rep Phil Pankey who was the sponsor of the bill and will not be elected again because of term limits is now leading an effort with Paul McDermott, Littleton, to put this issue on the ballot. A total of 50,000 signatures are needed.

HB 1112 (Rep. Swenson) to increase the amount of property tax/rent and heat rebates to elderly and disabled was signed into law on April 30 by Governor Romer. The bill will increase the maximum amount of the property tax/rent rebate to $600 for individuals receiving less than $11,000 ($14,700 for couples) in annual income. The heat rebate to will increase to a maximum of $192.

Individuals will see changes in rebates received in 2000 for rent and property taxes, as well as heat paid in 1999. The bill provides for a bi-annual automatic review by the legislature of an increase.

Governor Romer signed SB 79 (Rep Pascoe) to be available to families on July 1, 1999. It will allow community spouses who elect to keep a loved one at home to retain $80,760 in assets and a maximum of $2,019 in income and still receive services through Home and Community Based Services (Medicaid).

Most seniors and their families want to continue to live in their own home for as long as possible. However, under previous law, a community spouse who needed assistance from Medicaid could only retain $3000 in assets, whereas, if the spouse went to the nursing home, the community spouse could retain $80,760.

Governor Romer signed HB1309 on June 2 to provide mandatory health insurance coverage for diabetic equipment, supplies and outpatient self-managed training and education, including medical nutrition therapy that is prescribed by a licensed health care professional. Annual co-payments and deductibles are applicable.

This legislation was necessary to be in compliance with the Balanced Budget Act.

In summary these and a number of other bills affecting seniors include state veteran's nursing homes, victim's compensation, and medication monitoring were also passed by the legislature.

Eileen Doherty, MS is Executive Director of Senior Answers and Services and the Colorado Gerontological Society. She has more than 20 years of experience in education and training, public policy, and clinical practice in gerontology. She can be reached at 303-333-3482.