2009 Connecticut Legislative Session Accomplishments

The Connecticut 2009 Legislative Session came to a close at the end of June.

Though it was a year of tremendous challenges and unprecedented economic crisis, AARP Connecticut State Director Brenda Kelley is pleased to report some good and promising news.

“Despite the difficult budget situation, the Legislature saw value in investing in key areas and programs that are essential to the health and independence of Connecticut residents and that will help put the state’s economy back on solid footing,” Kelley said.

AARP Connecticut worked hard to advocate for a fair, balanced approach in dealing with the budget deficit that would preserve vital services that help Connecticut seniors, low-income adults and children and people with disabilities remain healthy and independent. Kelley stated, “On behalf of our 620,000 members in Connecticut, I’d like to thank the many elected leaders who worked with AARP to support these important measures.”
Kelley credited the efforts of AARP members and volunteers for their engagement and making a real difference, from attending advocacy days at the Capitol, press conferences and rallies to sending several thousand phone calls and e-mails to policymakers on key issues.

Here are a few of the accomplishments AARP helped make possible this year.
 
Medicare Savings Program Benefits Extended to ConnPACE Enrollees

AARP worked with legislators to pass legislation, known as ConnPACE Plus, that will maximize federal funds and save consumers money without reducing services – by expanding the eligibility requirements for the Low-Income Subsidy program under Medicare to match those of ConnPACE, the state’s prescription drug program. Under the new law (H.B. 6602, PA 09-2), most enrollees in ConnPACE (about 30,000 low-income seniors) will receive the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy – significantly reducing their medication costs. They also will save over $1,000 per year on Medicare Part B premiums, as well as other benefits. Because the MSP costs, which are partially covered by federal matching funds, will replace the fully state-funded ConnPACE costs, the proposal ends up saving the state over $4 million a year. Letters will begin going out to current ConnPACE recipients in September regarding this important change that will enhance their benefits.
 
Harmful Cuts Eliminated and Vital Services Preserved in 2010-11 State Budget

AARP CT worked successfully with legislative allies to restore proposed Budget cuts to priority programs and services that would have been harmful to seniors, including:

1. ConnPACE: The Governor’s Budget proposal would have drastically cut ConnPACE, the state’s prescription drug program, by slashing funding and implementing changes, such as an asset test, that would have made it more difficult for the vast majority of those currently enrolled in the program to qualify. Not only were these proposed cuts eliminated in the final Budget, but most enrollees will receive additional benefits due to passage of ConnPACE Plus (see above).

2. CT Home Care Program For Elders: A proposed cap on state-funded home and community based long-term care services provided under the CT Home Care Program for Elders would have created a waiting list and severely restricted senior’s ability to receive long-term care services in their homes. While likely there will be an increase in the cost sharing for clients in the program, the proposed cap was not included in the final Budget for 2010-11.

3. Demand Responsive Transportation (Dial-a-Ride): The Governor’s budget proposal would have eliminated funding for a successful municipal matching grant program that has enabled over 140 Connecticut municipalities to expand demand-responsive transportation for seniors and people with disabilities. Funding for this program was restored as part of the final Budget for 2010-11.

First Steps Taken Toward Major Health Reform in Connecticut

The Connecticut legislature overrode a Governor’s veto and enacted a comprehensive framework for universal health care coverage in Connecticut. The plan (H.B. 6600, PA 09-148), known as SustiNet, creates a new public authority that is charged with developing a self-insured health care plan by 2012 to cover the state’s uninsured. SustiNet will also be required to come up with ways to slow the escalating costs of health care and increase the number of insurance options available to individuals and employers. A nine-member board has until January 2011 to craft the details of the new self-insured health care plan with the aim of opening it to those without insurance starting in 2012.
 
Nursing Home Bill of Rights Strengthened for All Residents

AARP CT endorsed and actively supported S.B. 455, which strengthens the state's nursing home patients' bill of rights and extends the rights to all patients, not just those covered by Medicaid (PA 09-168). Specifically, the legislation adds a new prohibition on third-party guarantees and extends the entire nursing home patients’ bill of rights to all nursing facility patients.
 
“Complete Streets” Legislation Passed to Improve Bicycle and Pedestrian Access

The legislation requires that at least 1 percent of funds received by a municipality from the State Department of Transportation for street and highway projects be used to provide facilities for “all users,” including bikeways and sidewalks with curb cuts or ramps. The legislation also establishes an 11-member Connecticut Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board to report to the governor, transportation commissioner, and the Transportation Committee on actions, policies, and procedures that improve the bicycling and walking environment in Connecticut.
 
In-Person Test Eliminated for On-line Driver Safety Discount

AARP successfully defeated a Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) regulation that would have required participants of an on-line driver safety course (age 60 and older) to take an in-person exam before being eligible for the mandatory 5% auto insurance discount. The in-person testing requirement would have deflated the purpose and intent of legislation that AARP passed in 2008 to expand the senior driver safety discount to courses taken online. AARP’s success ensures that the senior discount on auto insurance will now be readily available to on-line participants.
 
Legislation Passed that Enhances Protections Against Senior Investment Fraud

AARP worked with legislative allies to pass H.B. 6231 (PA 09-174). The legislation prohibits anyone directly or indirectly involved in securities sales from falsely expressing or implying that they have special training, education, or experience in providing financial advice or services to seniors unless the person meets certain education requirements. A violator is subject to a fine of up to $ 2,000, two years imprisonment, or both.

“Thank you to all who have been involved in these efforts and to our elected leaders whose support on behalf of our members we deeply appreciate,” said Donald Ciosek, AARP Connecticut State Volunteer President. “Though more tough economic times may lie ahead; together, we can make a difference to improve the lives of our seniors and all Connecticut citizens.”

For more information and ways to get or stay involved, please contact us—we’d love to hear from you.

• On the Web: www.aarp.org/ct
• E-mail: ctaarp@aarp.org
• Phone: 866-295-7279 toll-free
• On Facebook: www.Facebook.com/AARP-CT
• On Twitter: www.twitter.com/AARPCT