News From Connecticut

AARP in Your State

November 2009

Services survive — Despite the state's $8.5 billion budget deficit, AARP Connecticut lobbied successfully to prevent or mitigate cuts to programs that help older residents pay for prescription drugs, access "dial-a-ride" transportation and receive long-term care services at home.

During the legislature's final days of negotiations for the 2010-2011 budget, AARP staff and volunteers pushed to protect these programs by visiting Senate and House leaders, phoning lawmakers, holding news conferences and sending more than 4,000 e-mails to Gov. Jodi Rell, R, and legislators.

AARP will continue to monitor the programs and shore up future support for the services they provide. For more information, go to www.aarp.org/ct.

October 2009

Gotcha covered — In a historic override of a vetoed bill, state lawmakers in July approved SustiNet, a comprehensive blueprint to reform Connecticut's health care system. The goal is to deliver affordable coverage to 98 percent of state residents by 2014.

Gov. Jodi Rell, R, vetoed the measure, citing cost concerns, but legislators committed to the plan prevailed. A SustiNet board has begun to hammer out details and will report its recommendations to the legislature by January 2011.

AARP endorsed the legislation and will work with lawmakers to ensure a smooth rollout. "AARP wants all Connecticut residents to have access to quality, affordable health care, including more than 70,000 uninsured people ages 50 to 64," says AARP state director Brenda Kelley.

To learn more about the SustiNet plan, go to www.healthcare4every1.org.

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.