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In 2018, 23% of eligible individuals in Utah were enrolled in dual-eligible special-needs plans. (Adobe Stock)

More UT seniors could qualify for dual-eligible special-needs plans

Utah seniors could qualify for dual-use special-needs plans, which offer standard Medicare benefits as well as additional unique coverage and …

Some 8,900 federal borrowers in Utah age 62 years and older owe an average $47,191 in student loans, totaling $420 million, according to the Education Data Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Utahns with student debt: this could ease your burden

Student loan borrowers of all ages in Utah and around the country have an opportunity to maybe have their student loans cancelled or the chance to rec…

In December 2020, about 800,000 borrowers aged 62 and older, making up 35% of borrowers in the age group, were in default on their federal student loans. (Adobe Stock)

Majority of seniors with student loans have held their debt at least 15 years

New federal data from the Department of Education confirmed retirement-age borrowers are struggling to repay their federal student loans. About 60% …

Utah is one of the states that pays and administers its own supplemental payments. People can contact the state directly for payment information. (Adobe Stock)

Eligible Utahns Could Qualify for Supplemental Security Income Payments

Many people in Utah and across the country are eligible for financial aid on top of receiving Social Security payments, but are not aware of it…

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics, almost one-third of Americans over age 65 are participating in the workforce. (moodboard/Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit Job Training, Placement Program Puts Utah Seniors to Work

A nonprofit program is helping older adults in Utah and other states to develop new skills, polish their resumes and find work. After a lifetime of …

National Healthcare Decisions Day is this Saturday, an opportunity to talk with family members about their end-of-life choices. (ashtproductions/Adobe Stock)

Healthcare Decisions Day: Time for Utahns to Examine End-of-Life Issues

Saturday is National Health Care Decisions Day, a reminder Utahns and others should have plans in place in case they need medical attention and are …

A medical aid-in-dying bill had a hearing in Utah for the first time but failed to move out of committee on a 9-2 vote. (Adobe Stock)

Polling Shows Utah Voters Want Medical Aid in Dying

Despite polls showing most voters support the right to a peaceful death, a bill to legalize medical aid in dying has once again failed to advance in …

Of just over 49,000 subsidized rental-housing units for low-income Utahns, only about 16% were rented to senior citizens in 2019, according to a new report on preserving affordable senior housing. (Konstantine_L/Adobe Stock)

Utah Seniors Warned of Worsening Affordable-Housing Crisis

SALT LAKE CITY - A new report warns that thousands of Utah seniors could lose their housing unless federal and state officials act to preserve existin…

Experts predict premiums will climb for older patients in states that introduce non-ACA-compliant plans. (LilJoel/Morguefile)

Experts Warn of Rate Hikes on Pre-Existing Conditions With ACA Waivers

SALT LAKE CITY – Some health experts are warning that insurance rates could rise significantly for people in the individual market who are betwe…

A new AARP website scores livability using more than 60 factors, including safe streets and walkability. (Pixabay)

New Web Tool Calculates Community "Livability" Score

SALT LAKE CITY – How livable is your community compared with others? How well does your community meet your needs, regardless of age or income? …

Utahns Seek Ballot Initiative to Expand Medicaid Coverage

SALT LAKE CITY – Proponents of a new statewide ballot initiative are in the signature-collecting phase, and say they hope to bring local …

SNAP benefits help millions of low-income Americans put food on the table each month. (Martin Maddock/Wikimedia Commons)

Food Stamps Could be Targeted by Congress in Farm Bill

SALT LAKE CITY – Congress is expected to begin work soon on the $140 billion farm bill, but there are concerns that some conservatives are …

Almost a third of older Americans who deduct medical expenses earn less than $50,000 a year. (Getty Images)

Groups Mobilize to Prevent 'Health Tax' on Seniors

SALT LAKE CITY – Seniors could get a break from a looming "health tax" hike set to kick in next year, if a new bipartisan bill making its way …

Hospice care can help patients and families dealing with distressing physical and mental symptoms at the end of life. (Pixabay)

Utah Patients Missing Out on Hospice Benefits

SALT LAKE CITY - More than 40 percent of Medicare patients received just 14 days or less of hospice care in 2015, according to new data. People …

Almost 70 percent of food stamp benefits go to children, seniors and people with disabilities. (Getty Images)

Trump’s Economic Policies to Increase Inequality, Report Says

SALT LAKE CITY – The Trump administration's tax proposals would not benefit all taxpayers or states equally, according to new analysis from the …

Unpaid family caregivers in Utah provide $4.2 billion worth of care a year. (Getty Images)

Utah Faces Significant Challenges Providing Long-Term Care

SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah ranks 24th nationally when it comes to meeting the long-term care needs of older residents and people with disabilities…

Hydration is the key to avoiding heat-related illness, especially in humid climates. (Pixabay)

Staying Cool and Healthy in Heat of Summer

SALT LAKE CITY – The Fourth of July holiday is one of the most popular times for vacations, when many families pack up and head to places …

The average tax break for millionaires in Utah under a health care bill passed by the U.S. House is projected to be $38,000 a year. (Getty Images)

'Patriotic Millionaires' Urge Congress to Drop Tax Cuts in Health Bills

SALT LAKE CITY – Resistance to efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is heating up after the U.S. Senate made public its …

Proposed cuts to Medicaid would largely impact the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women and children. (Getty Images)

Report: Under AHCA, 205,000 Utahns Would Lose Health Coverage

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah's millionaires could see an average tax cut of close to $40,000 a year if the American Health Care Act (AHCA) becomes law…

National and state-based clean air policies, including reducing pollution from coal-fired power plants, are helping improve air quality in Utah. (Pixabay)

Report Card: Utah Needs Stronger Protections for Air Quality

SALT LAKE CITY -- Overall air quality in Utah is getting better, according to the American Lung Association's latest report card, but the state still …

Social Security took American seniors from being the highest poverty age group to one of the most secure. (giocalde/iStockphoto)

Trump Proposes Change in How Social Security is Funded

SALT LAKE CITY -- A proposal to change how Social Security is funded is being attacked as a sneaky way of undermining the program. The Trump …

When Utah Food Bank volunteers visit seniors at home to check in and make sure everything is okay, they also deliver boxes of food to help stretch limited budgets. (Pixabay)

Utah Joins Battle Against Seniors' Food Insecurity

SALT LAKE CITY – April is National Senior Hunger Awareness Month, and Utahns are rising to the challenge. More than 10 million Americans age 6…

AARP has joined a growing chorus of groups objecting to a new bill to replace the Affordable Care Act. (Ted Eytan/Wikimedia Commons)

AARP Mobilizes Against GOP Health Plan

SALT LAKE CITY - Opposition to the GOP's proposal to replace the Affordable Care Act is swelling, and the nation's largest advocacy group for people …

Proposed cuts to Medicaid could impact nearly 400,000 Utahns covered by the program, including children, seniors and people with disabilities. (Pixabay)

GOP Health-Care Proposal Could Cost Utah Health Centers

SALT LAKE CITY – As the GOP-led Congress works to make good on promises to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, Utah health-policy …

AARP is launching a new campaign to convince members of Congress to keep President Donald Trump's commitment to safeguard Medicare. (Pixabay)

AARP Launches Major Campaign to Protect Medicare

SALT LAKE CITY – The nation's largest senior advocacy group, AARP, is launching a campaign to block congressional efforts to turn Medicare into …

Repealing the Affordable Care Act without replacement is likely to cause serious problems for the nation's health-care system. (Pixabay)

Economists: Repealing Obamacare Could Upend Health-Care System

SALT LAKE CITY -- Repealing the Affordable Care Act without an immediate replacement would throw the U.S. healthcare system into turmoil over the …

AARP's Jo Ann Jenkins says her book is for anyone who wants to live a life of possibility, connection and growth. (AARP)

AARP CEO: Prioritize Health, Wealth, Self

SALT LAKE CITY – Life expectancy in the United States is now 78.8 years, much higher than when the Social Security program began in 1935…

Utah candidates for local and state office are facing off this week in debates. (Kichigin/iStockphoto)

Utah Local Candidates' Debate Series Kicks Off

SALT LAKE CITY – Utahans are getting a break between presidential debates to learn more about how local candidates plan to address education…

Seniors will be watching the first presidential debate for detailed plans on Social Security. (iStockphoto/LarryHW)

Seniors' Eyes on Presidential Debate to Pin Down Social Security Plans

SALT LAKE CITY – Social Security reform can be a hotly debated issue, especially during presidential elections. But once in office, officials …

AARP Utah has scheduled a series of TEK Workshops for those who may need some help mastering their smartphone. (ocskaymark/iStockphoto)

Stymied by Your Smartphone? AARP Offers Help

SALT LAKE CITY - AARP Utah is sponsoring a series of "TEK Workshops," events to help people age 50-plus get the most out of using their smartphones…

Researchers say detecting Alzheimer's Disease early could come down to testing how well someone can detect smells. (Werner/iStockphoto)

Study: Loss of Smell a Marker for Alzheimer's Onset

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Researchers are making progress in their studies of the disease that took the life and mind of famed UT women's basketball …

AARP Utah is sponsoring a series of events called CAREversations, designed for people who provide care for others. (bbtomaas/iStockphoto)

AARP Programs to Provide Info, Support to Caregivers

SALT LAKE CITY — A series of programs set for August aims to ease the burden on those who care for others. AARP Utah will sponsor several …

The AARP's Life Reimagined program helps retirees develop a Life Map to guide them through the rest of their lives. (Spotmatik/iStockphoto)

AARP Program Helps People Navigate Retirement

SALT LAKE CITY -- When people contemplate retirement these days, one thing is almost certain: Their retirement will not be at all like their parents' …

With the income-tax filing deadline just a few weeks away, help is available for Utah residents through the AARP Foundation�s Tax-Aide Program. (alfexe/iStockphoto)

AARP Volunteers Help Utah Taxpayers File Returns

SALT LAKE CITY - The federal income tax filing deadline is just three weeks away, and if you're getting nervous about filing your tax return…

The Utah Legislature passed a Medicaid expansion bill that covers less than one-fourth of the 80,000 Utah residents that would be eligible under federal guidelines. (iStock)

Utah Legislature OKs Only Bare Bones Medicaid Expansion

SALT LAKE CITY - Public interest groups are disappointed that the Utah state Legislature approved a minimal increase in Medicaid during its recent ses…

New regulations in Utah now allow patients entering a hospital to designate a family caregiver that will be the official contact person. (wirelog/morguefile)

New Utah Rules Allow Patients to Designate Caregiver

MIDVALE, Utah - A new rule in Utah gives important new rights to family caregivers when a loved one is in the hospital. The Patient Designated …

Nancy Madsen-Wilkerson, Utah's 2015 Portrait of Care honoree, with a painting of her and her mother. Credit: AARP Utah

AARP Artistically Honors Family Caregiver

SALT LAKE CITY - November is Family Caregiver Month and AARP is celebrating by recognizing the 40 million Americans who help older parents, spouses …

Using a cane or walker isn't second-nature to many older people, who can benefit from some training to use them correctly to prevent falls. Credit: ALivmann/morguefile.com

Exercise, Training Keep Seniors from Taking a Tumble

SALT LAKE CITY – September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month, calling attention to the frequency and seriousness of falls among older people…

Salt Lake City, UT - People in Utah providing unpaid care for a family member, partner or friend make an economic contribution which is measured in the billions of dollars, according to a new report from AARP. Comments from Susan Reinhard, senior vice president, AARP Public Policy Institute; and Elaine Ryan, vice president, State Advocacy and Strategy Integration in AARP's Government Affairs group. Photo courtesy of AARP Utah.

Report Looks at Huge Contribution of Utah Caregivers

SALT LAKE CITY - A report out today measures the huge economic contribution made by hundreds of thousands of people in Utah who act as caregivers for …

PHOTO: A new report says more Americans are retiring to communities in the West, such as St. George, that are home to protected public lands such as Zion National Park. Photo credit: U.S. Department of Transportation.

Report: Utah's Protected Public Lands Attract Retirees

ST. GEORGE, Utah - Older Americans are three times more likely to retire in areas of Utah and other Western states that have protected public lands - …

PHOTO: Along with lights, trees and presents, the holiday season can be filled with stress, anxiety and even depression. As one antidote, experts recommend turning the focus to the kinds of gifts that money can't buy. Photo credit: Library of Congress.

Some Utahans May Find the Holiday Season Stressful

SALT LAKE CITY – For people in Utah who have experienced losses, are less fortunate or are in a family overcome by stress, the holidays can be …

PHOTO: Two cities in Utah are among the best in the U.S. for older Americans to live, according to the Milken Institute's

Salt Lake City, Provo Among Best U.S. Cities for "Successful Aging"

SALT LAKE CITY - According to the Milken Institute Best Cities for Successful Aging Index, released Tuesday, Provo and Salt Lake City are among the …

PHOTO: It's estimated nearly one-third of people will have diabetes by 2050. Photo credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Diabetes Impacts One in Ten Adults in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY - In Utah and across the nation, it's "American Diabetes Month." It comes as the disease becomes more prevalent in the state and …

PHOTO: A report on the federal budget and Utah finds residents and businesses paid $15 billion in federal taxes in 2013. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Treasury.

$21B Added to Utah Economy from Federal Budget, Study Shows

SALT LAKE CITY - A new analysis shows how much residents and businesses in Utah pay in federal taxes compared to how much is received in the state fr…

PHOTO: As the general election draws closer, voters in Utah can use the new AARP Voter Guide to learn more about political candidate positions on Social Security, Medicare and other issues. Photo credit: Wisconsin State Assembly.

AARP Voters Guide Includes Candidate Positions on Vital Issues In Utah

SALT LAKE CITY - The Nov. 4 general election quickly approaches and a new resource is available that could help prevent Utah voters from feeling left …

PHOTO: A report from AARP shows that Utah both leads and trails in areas of caring for older Americans. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

AARP Report Ranks Utah Both 'High' and 'Low' In Caring For Seniors

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah ranks both high and low in a report from AARP that considers several aspects of care and quality of life for older adults…

PHOTO: Salt Lake City ranks about midway in a new national ranking of pedestrian deaths and safety in big U.S. cities. Photo courtesy Utah Department of Transportation.

Report: SLC Ranks Midway Among Big U.S. Cities for Pedestrian Deaths

SALT LAKE CITY - Utah's capital ranks about midway among the nation's 51 largest metropolitan areas for pedestrian deaths and safety, according to a …

PHOTO: A new AARP survey examines what services older Americans want most in their communities. Photo courtesy Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

AARP Study Ask Seniors "What Is Livable?"

SALT LAKE CITY – Older Utahns may be interested in a new AARP study that examines what services people age 50 and older want most in their commu…

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UT: Senior Issues