AARP IN YOUR STATE

June 2008

Fraud protection – AARP Connecticut and the state Department of Banking are cosponsoring workshops across the state this summer to help consumers protect themselves against fraud. Held in libraries and senior centers, the workshops will help older consumers learn how to avoid investment scams and other kinds of fraud.  Nearly half of the complaints that state securities regulators receive about investment fraud involve victims age 60 and older. To find a workshop in your community, contact the state Department of Banking at 1-800-831-7225 ext. 8176 or send an e-mail to department.banking@ct.gov. For the full schedule of events, visit www.aarp.org/ct.

April 2008

One source – AARP Connecticut is pushing for legislation to give state residents a single place to go or call for information on everything they need for long-term care. AARP recommended legislation that would set up a “one-stop shopping” system, and state Sen. Jonathan Harris, D, and state Rep. Peter Villano, D, introduced it in February. AARP is pressing for both houses to vote favorably on the bill (HS 5791) this spring.  The University of Connecticut’s 2007 long-term care needs assessment identified a one-stop system as a top priority. In February Gov. Jodi Rell, R, released her 2008-09 budget, eliminating $1 million previously appropriated for such a system.  To track progress on this issue, go to www.aarp.org/ct.

March 2008

Cover more – Connecticut is moving a step closer to covering the uninsured as private insurers submit bids for the Charter Oak Health Plan. Proposed by Gov. Jodi Rell, R, the program is for adults and children who do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare and do not have employer-sponsored coverage. Monthly premiums will cost from $75 to $250 based on income, and enrollment will begin in July. Even so, some advocates for the uninsured say the plan won’t provide enough coverage and may not be affordable for many state residents. Meanwhile, the HealthFirst Connecticut Authority, created by the legislature in 2007, is charged with evaluating different options for providing residents with quality, affordable health care. AARP serves on two of its committees, representing the needs of residents age 50-plus. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/ct.

January/February 2008

Social hub – Volunteers from AARP Connecticut and Rebuilding Together recently renovated a senior center in Hartford. Funded by the AARP Foundation and Home Depot, the effort caps off a two-year Livable Communities project in the Asylum Hill neighborhood, where volunteers renovated 20 homes to make them safe for residents age 50 and older. The new center will be a hub for social activities and a place where residents 55 and older can get information on programs that can help them save money, improve their lives and remain in their own homes as they age. AARP Benefits QuickLINK volunteers on-site will help residents determine if they qualify for benefits such as energy assistance. For details, call AARP Connecticut toll free at 1-866-295-7279 or e-mail ctaarp@aarp.org.

December 2007

Make it happen – AARP Connecticut is seeking volunteers to help launch its long-term care campaign at the state Capitol next month. AARP will lobby lawmakers to create a single place where residents can learn about and apply for all kinds of long-term care services. In addition, AARP wants the legislature to expand a program that allows some Medicaid beneficiaries to move out of nursing homes and receive care in their own homes. To volunteer or to learn more, e-mail ctaarp@aarp.org or call 1-866-295-7279 toll free.