News From Connecticut

AARP in Your State

September 2009

Eat well — About 19,000 state residents are newly eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.

Under new rules, it is easier for applicants to qualify, and they can sign up by phone. Once enrolled, participants use a debit card rather than stamps to buy food.

In Connecticut only 65 percent of people previously eligible for food stamps actually signed up. AARP is spreading the word about the revamped program to help people put food on the table during tough economic times. "No one should have to choose between buying groceries and paying bills," says Brenda Kelly, AARP state director.

To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/snap.

July-August 2009

Driver discount — Residents age 60 and older may qualify for the state's 5 percent insurance discount by completing an online driver safety course, thanks to a rule change supported by AARP Connecticut. Previously, drivers had to take the test in a classroom. AARP advocates worked to drop the in-person testing requirement to make it easier for older residents to take the course.

The revised rule has been sent to the attorney general for review and is expected to be approved by a legislative committee this summer. The discount is available to those who complete AARP's Driver Safety Program. Check www.aarp.org/ct for updates on when the rule has  been approved and the online course has been certified.

June 2009

Comforts of home — Two caregiver programs are offering a new option for Connecticut residents who need care and for unpaid family caregivers who need a little help. The service allows people not eligible for Medicaid who might otherwise be placed in a nursing home to remain in their own homes. Already available in New Haven County, the Choices at Home option is expanding this month to Litchfield and northern Fairfield counties.

The service provides up to $3,500 a year to pay anyone except a spouse or conservator to provide home care, allowing participants to receive care from a family member or friend, or to find a caregiver who speaks the same language. In addition, eligible families can get up to $4,000 for home modifications such as installing ramps or renovating bathrooms to make home care easier and safer.

For more information, go to www.aarp.org/ct.

May 2009

Prescription assistance — AARP Connecticut successfully lobbied for legislation that will save many residents more than $1,100 a year on their Medicare Part B premiums and other out-of-pocket costs. The savings will benefit more than 30,000 people enrolled in ConnPACE, the state's prescription drug assistance program. The revised program, ConnPACE Plus, also will save the state more than $4 million a year by leveraging federal funds to assist ConnPACE enrollees.

With legislators looking to rein in an estimated $8 billion deficit as they hammer out a budget for fiscal year 2010-2011, AARP Connecticut will be pushing for continued support for ConnPACE Plus. To learn more about ConnPACE Plus and how you can help support funding for health programs in Connecticut, visit www.aarp.org/ct.

April 2009

Build the nest — Lawmakers are considering a bill (SB 1) that would establish a state-assisted retirement plan for self-employed workers and businesses with fewer than 100 employees. AARP Connecticut supports the measure. If passed, it would offer up to 36 percent of the state's workforce first-time access to a retirement savings plan.

A state-assisted plan would offer small businesses an easy, low-cost way to give workers a chance to build a nest egg. Employer contributions would be optional. Workers could save through payroll deductions, and their accounts would be portable between jobs.

To learn more, go to www.aarp.org/ct. To help advocate for this and other AARP issues, click on "Advocacy" and "Become an Advocate."