State Leaders Huddle With Seniors At Newtown Elder Care Facility

**News Release Submitted by Connecticut House Republicans**

Aug. 7, 2024

State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and Martin Foncello (R-107) along with State Senator Tony Hwang met with Newtown seniors at Nunnawauk Meadows recently to discuss the 2024 legislative session, and to hear their concerns.

Bolinsky and Foncello, members of the Aging Committee, gave an overview of a priority bill to help seniors age-in-place by reforming Medicare, creating at-home qualification under the same “presumptive eligibility” umbrella traditionally reserved for skilled, assistive, and adaptive in-home care. By allowing this option, folks will be able to plan to age in their homes, or with family instead of in nursing homes, as research shows, most do. The per-senior savings of care at home will allow more folks to be well cared for, where they'd prefer to receive their care, and from whom.

Another piece of legislation will reform nursing homes for patients by adding consumer protections at assisted living centers, improving oversight of nursing home management companies, and phasing out three and four-bed nursing home rooms beginning July 1, 2026. Agreement was reached with stakeholders to reconfigure, and “semi-private” phase-in of new admissions.

The legislators also took questions from seniors. One of the biggest challenges raised had to do with the lack of public transportation. There is a ride-share program, but it's only for in-town doctor appointments. Bolinsky shared that they secured a $100,000 grant for Newtown to supplement the program.

"Once you're off the highways we are a pretty rural town, in a rural state. Transit operators like HART have rigid schedules, routes and stops that our rural lack of population density just do not support well. The state is experimenting with micro transit. A pilot program was approved to launch in central Connecticut. In the test markets, and in Newtown, where we can’t support big bus fleets, drivers, a depot and the like, these pilot programs will have the ability to leverage subsidized ride sharing to bring flexibility at a lower capital cost," said Bolinsky.

In response to concerns about the costs of prescription medications, Foncello told the crowd about ArrayRx.

"The program was established by a new law I supported (Public Act 23-171), where Connecticut joined a multi-state consortium. When purchasing prescription drugs, consumers present the discount card at their pharmacy, and they can receive savings of up to 80% on certain medications. All FDA-approved drugs are eligible for a discount," said Foncello.

The lawmakers noted that they also took action to start easing the cliff on income tax exemptions for retirement income. The two-year budget adds a tax deduction schedule for retirement income above the full exemption threshold. The law fully exempts qualifying pension and annuity income (including 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) plans) from income tax for taxpayers with federal adjusted gross incomes below (1) $75,000 for single filers, married people filing separately, and heads of household or (2) $100,000 for married people filing jointly.

“Our elderly residents deserve our utmost respect and attention. We came to Nunnawauk Meadows to share our legislative achievements for seniors and aging in place, and to listen to their questions and unique concerns. Many seniors struggle with affordability, taxation, healthcare, mobility issues, and rising energy costs. I am honored to represent them and look forward to being an active voice for them in Hartford, finding ways the state can better serve our valued residents who have contributed so much to our community,” Senator Hwang remarked.

"Make sure you call our office or copy us on emails when dealing with state agencies. We want to know when you're having problems and we may be able to facilitate a solution. We can be your advocate and check in with the federal delegation if it's a federal program you need help with. If we're hearing from a bunch of people on the same issue, we can elevate it in the eyes of Congress," added Bolinsky and Foncello.