DENVER - On May 30, 2024, Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Primavera celebrated Colorado’s ranking as the second-best state in the nation for senior health and wellness by the American Public Health Association in their America's Health Rankings. 

“Colorado is one of the best states in the country to live and age, and that’s not by accident. We’ve taken a number of steps to provide older Coloradans, and people of all ages, with the support they need to thrive in our great state. This ranking is a reflection of all the work we’ve done, and motivation to get Colorado to number one,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

“As someone who has been faced with multiple cancer battles, I know that our health impacts all aspects of our live. It is with this mission that the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care is working to expand access to care while targeting high costs and ensuring people can get the high-quality treatment they want when they need it. Making sure older Coloradans are well-supported and can lead independent and purposeful lives is close to my heart, and it is so wonderful to see that our work has made us a national leader in this space, ” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care.

The Polis-Primavera administration has advanced the work of the Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging, which touches on everything from workforce, housing, mobility/transit, and healthcare and behavioral healthcare issues for older Coloradans. 

The Governor has also prioritized investments in Colorado’s direct care workforce, is tackling prescription drug costs, closed a tax loophole to eliminate income taxes on social security for Coloradans over 65, and signed legislation making the Senior Homestead Exemption portable so older adults aren’t punished for wanting to downsize.

Earlier this year, Colorado was also ranked as the 2nd best state to retire.