Public Comment In Support Of Increase New Choices Waiver - State Capitol

It was an honor to stand alongside Sal Management, Utah Case Management & UALA to advocate for our seniors at the Utah State Capitol. I fully support increasing the New Choices Waiver reimbursement rate — because what I’m seeing every day tells me the need is real and urgent.

Many of our seniors are living on fixed retirement incomes that, because of inflation, buy less and less each year. Our seniors, many of them planned responsibly and believed Social Security would help make retirement sustainable. Yet today, even many low-income seniors who are still independent find themselves working longer than expected just to keep up.

And for those who need care beyond what family can safely provide, the challenges become even greater.

I recently spoke with a caregiver who is now considering selling her own home just to afford assisted living for a parent with dementia. Think about that for a moment — the emotional and financial weight behind a decision like that.

When reimbursement rates remain too low, fewer communities can accept waiver residents. Fewer options mean more stress on families, more caregiver burnout, and more seniors left without safe solutions.

Supporting community-based care isn’t just policy — it’s about dignity, stability, and protecting Utah families from impossible choices.
I’m grateful to be part of a growing conversation focused on sustainable solutions for our aging population.

Help us make a difference consider donating to Golden Gap Foundation to help bridge the affordability gap for low-income seniors.
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