Revised budget reduces co-pays: will save seniors on average $90 a month and could save taxpayers even more
Hartford, CT – July 1, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Starting July 1st thousands of seniors across Connecticut who are struggling to stay in their homes will have the opportunity to receive additional support from the state—and Senate Democratic leaders calls it a win-win for seniors and taxpayers.
“This is a win-win for seniors and the taxpayers of Connecticut,” said Senator President Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn). “This smart investment helps seniors afford the services they need to stay in their homes and stay out of costly nursing homes. The opportunity for savings is significant, considering that nursing home care costs state taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year.”
“It is every senior’s nightmare to wind up in a nursing home,” said Senator Edith Prague (D-Columbia), Senate Chairman of the Select Committee on Aging. “We must do everything we can to keep seniors at home with homecare. Not only is it cost effective for the state, it is the right thing to do for seniors.”
“This is one more way that Connecticut is ensuring that our seniors can stay independent and active members of their communities for as long as possible, both as a savings to themselves and to state taxpayers as a whole,” said state Sen. Jonathan A. Harris (D-West Hartford), Senate Chairman of the Public Health Committee.
As many as 5,000 seniors participating in the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) will have their monthly costs reduced by an average of $90. This program helps eligible clients stay in their home and avoid nursing home placement by providing a variety of in home services.
The reduced co-pays are a result of changes made to the midterm budget—which goes into effect on July 1st. The revised budget includes $9.9 million in funding to reduce co-pays in CHCPE from 15 percent to 6 percent. Since January of 2010, seniors enrolled in the program have had co-payments of 15 percent for the services they receive. The co-payments were unaffordable for some seniors and many dropped out of the program.
According to program guidelines, “Applicants must be 65 years of age or older, be a CT resident, be at risk of nursing home placement and meet the program’s financial eligibility criteria. To be at risk of nursing home placement means that the applicant needs assistance with critical needs such as bathing, dressing, eating, and taking medications. The CHCPE helps eligible clients continue living at home instead of going to a nursing home.”
