SPONSORED

Change in Utah is Happening Now | How New Legislation Changes Will Help to Benefit Older Americans Living in Utah

Mar 26, 2021, 10:59 AM

Older Americans in Utah...

Photo: Adobe Stock

AARP UtahThis article about law changes for older Americans in Utah is presented by AARP Utah.


The past year was a tumultuous one, with older adults caught in the crosshairs of a global pandemic that laid bare several issues that must be immediately addressed through state legislation. Here are 5 new legislation changes that will help to benefit older Americans living in Utah.

1. Social Security Tax Relief for Older Americans in Utah

Social Security - Older Americans

Photo: Adobe Stock

There has actually been a lot of progress bringing tax relief to older Utahns this year. The state tax on Social Security advantages for joint filers with income of $50,000 as well as single filers with income of $30,000 has been removed. The tax credit is decreased by $1 for every single $40 of revenue above those levels. That means even more retirees will likely receive a partial tax debt.

2. An Expanded Ability to Create Accessory Dwelling Units

Accessory Dwelling Unit

Photo: Adobe Stock

A lot of Utahns have struggled to get approvals to create accessory dwelling units or ‘mother-in-law apartments’ in their cities. Legislation supported by AARP Utah would establish these accessory dwelling units as a permitted use throughout the state. But the home has to be owner-occupied. And the owner can’t rent the space for short-term rentals (through Airbnb or VRBO). There also may be some additional requirements by the cities they are in. But the legislation will make it much easier for more Utahns to find these affordable places to live. Or make it easy to create ADU’s inside their homes in order to supplement their income in retirement.

3. Compensation for Caregivers

Caregivers - Older Americans

Photo: Adobe Stock

Another new piece of legislation would reimburse some Utahns who are providing care to loved ones who are on Medicaid waivers. A lot of these caregivers have had to leave their jobs to make this possible. By providing some compensation, these families can continue to live independently in their own homes. That’s instead of placing those needing care into nursing homes too early. That could cost taxpayers six times as much too.

4. Property Tax Relief

Property Tax - Older Americans

Photo: Adobe Stock

Many older Utahns have difficulty paying their property taxes. That’s because they have to come up with cash for an illiquid asset. As property values increase people on fixed incomes struggle to keep up with increasing property taxes. New legislation changes would create higher eligibility for older Utahns to receive some tax forgiveness under Utah’s “circuit breaker” law. That’s for household incomes up to $34,666

5. More Affordable Prescription Drugs

Prescription - Older Americans

Photo: Adobe Stock

Finally, Utah legislation allowing Public Employees Health Plan to create more bulk purchasing programs with groups throughout the country. This will enable them to drive down the cost of more prescription drugs. A discount program for epinephrine auto-injectors (commonly known as EpiPens) was also created. It’s building off the program created last year for insulin. This has a good potential to bring down the cost of the drugs for many Utahns.

Related articles:

KSL 5 TV Live

Sponsored

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 months ago

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

2 months ago

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

3 months ago

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

3 months ago

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

3 months ago

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

5 months ago

Change in Utah is Happening Now | How New Legislation Changes Will Help to Benefit Older Americans Living in Utah