For the first time since AARP began publishing the Scorecard in 2011, more than half of Medicaid long-term care dollars nationwide for older adults and people with physical disabilities went to home- and community-based services instead of nursing homes and other institutions.
Utah is one of only 11 states that tax Social Security benefits. But in an era of high inflation, people who are dependent on their Social Security income are looking for a break.
When the State Legislature convenes on Jan. 18, AARP Utah will be back to advocate for residents 50-plus, working to lower prescription drug costs, strengthen support for family caregivers and ensure that Utahns have access to retirement savings plans.
Proposition 3 was voted into law by Utahns last November, and will expand Medicaid coverage to 150,000 of our friends and neighbors, many of whom had no access to affordable healthcare coverage. But now this victory is in imminent danger of being repealed and replaced by the Utah legislature, which convenes next week.
State retirees paid into Social Security throughout their working lives and now count on it to make ends meet. What they don’t appreciate is having to pay state taxes on that vital retirement money. But Utah is one of 13 states that tax Social Security income.
The legislative session that begins Jan. 22 is only 45 days long. AARP Utah is prepared to hit the ground running to advocate on behalf of family caregivers, retirees and other adults 50-plus. AARP staff and volunteers will be at the Capitol every day.
It has been a whirlwind legislative session with a lot happening but as of last night it has come to a close. I want to thank you and all of the other great AARP advocates who stayed informed, got engaged, and made their voices heard to their legislators. I can’t stress enough that without your involvement, we could not do the work we do!