News

Access Health Enrollment Period for 2019 Coverage: November 1, 2018 ~ December 15, 2018.

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 04:00:00 +0000

Access Health Enrollment Period for 2019 Coverage: November 1, 2018 ~ December 15, 2018.

Access Health CT is sending notices to customers around October 25 with information about renewing for 2019. This notice will have information about the customer's renewal status (i.e. whether or not they can renew automatically), and for many customers it will include the name, monthly premium and estimated financial help for a 2019 plan that is similar to their current plan.

We sent this FAQ document along with the notices to help our customers understand the content of the notice, as well as their next steps for renewing for 2019.
If a customer can be automatically renewed for 2019, they will be renewed into their new plan on November 19, 2018. They can still make changes until December 15.

Renewal Notice

What's New?

Window Shopping & Compare Plans Tool - Live Now:

The improved Compare Plans process is live now to help customers sort through plan options - and many customers will benefit from shopping around and picking a new plan for 2019.

To start, go to AccessHealthCT.com and click "See 2019 Plans". As of November 1, this button option will go away and you will click "Compare Plans" to begin the process.

Q: What is “Window Shopping” ?
A: It's the ability to see and compare 2019 plan options before Open Enrollment.

Q: What functionality will Window Shopping have?
A: Window shopping will have the same functionality as anonymous browsing.

Q: Can people pick/save a plan they like while Window Shopping for 2019 plans?
A: NO. Individuals are able to look at their options, but are CANNOT pick one until 11/1.

Call Center Hours

Call Center & Live Chat: Open Monday - Friday, 8AM - 4PM
855-354-2428
Access Health CT Website

Medicare Open Enrollment Oct.15- Dec.7

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 04:00:00 +0000

The Medicare Open Enrollment period is an opportunity to change or drop your Medicare Part D or Part C plan. This period starts on October 15th and ends on December 7th.

Counselors can assist with your Open Enrollment changes or questions at the sites belows.
Counseling Sites

In order to better assist you, please view the checklist of items to bring to your counseling session.
Check List

Advantage plans (MA-only and MA-PD) and Prescription Drug plans (PDP), including their agents and brokers, are responsible for complying with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Communications and Marketing Guidelines when communicating information about their plans to Medicare beneficiaries. Below is the update list from CMS of what Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans, including their agents/brokers, can and cannot do. If you come in contact with plans or individuals that do not following these guidelines, please contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at 1 800.994.9422.
View Article

TRICARE OPEN SEASON

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 04:00:00 +0000

TRICARE Open Season is the annual period when you can enroll in or change your health care coverage for the following year. TRICARE beneficiaries will experience open season for the first time, from Nov. 12 to Dec. 10, 2018. During TRICARE Open Season, you have three options:

If you want to stay with your current health care plan, you don’t have to take any action.
If you’re not enrolled in a TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select plan, but eligible to do so, you may enroll.
If you’re already enrolled in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, you can switch plans. For example, if you’re eligible, you may switch from TRICARE Prime to TRICARE Select, or switch from individual to family coverage.

Any enrollment choices made during TRICARE Open Season will take effect on Jan. 1, 2019.

If you have a premium-based plan and don’t plan to enroll in a TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select plan, TRICARE Open Season doesn’t apply to you. All premium-based plans offer continuous open enrollment throughout the year. These health plans include:

TRICARE Retired Reserve
TRICARE Reserve Select
TRICARE Young Adult
Continued Health Care Benefit Program

Similarly, TRICARE Open Season doesn’t apply to TRICARE For Life.

If you’re thinking about changing plans, visit the Compare Plans page to make choosing a plan simpler and easier. You can compare the features of TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select side-by-side.

For the latest on changes to TRICARE, visit TRICARE News and TRICARE Changes.

Seniors and Caregivers – It's time to prepare for weather emergencies!

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 04:00:00 +0000

SENIORS AND CAREGIVERS – IT’S TIME TO PREPARE FOR WEATHER EMERGENCIES!

Hurricanes, thunder storms, snow/ice appear in fall – winter months, sometimes with little warning. Our favorite tips for dealing with hurricanes and thunder storms appear below.

*Put together your emergency supply kit including flashlights, extra batteries, manual can opener, bottled water/juice, non-perishable foods (fruits, peanut butter, crackers, vegetables).
*Put spare glasses in place that can be easily located. Add a magnifier if its’ needed.
*Call your town hall to obtain location of emergency shelter; keep information in emergency kit. Make sure emergency shelter can accommodate need for oxygen. Is it accessible to those with handicaps? Does the shelter allow pets?
*Buy a few BATTERY OPERATED CANDLES (no candles requiring matches please) for emergency kit
*Make sure your prescriptions are up to date and you have at least two weeks’ supply.
*Keep your cell phone charged!
*Find out about public transportation for seniors and persons with disabilities; store the information in location it can be easily found.
*Are you on dialysis? Talk to your medical provider about emergency situations that prevent your treatment.
*Post a list of your medications in accessible location (include dosage and frequency).
*Have your wheelchair checked before snow & ice arrive.
*If possible, let friends and family know you need help OR are OK. Check on friends to see if they need help.

WCAAA issues new RFP for Senior Centers

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 04:00:00 +0000

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) – SENIOR CENTERS

BACKGROUND

The Western CT Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (WCAAA) is one of five designated Area Agencies on Aging in Connecticut. The WCAAA’s mission statement is as follows: The Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging, Inc. develops, manages and provides comprehensive services through person centered planning for seniors, caregivers and individuals with disabilities in order to maintain their independence and quality of life”.

The WCAAA is interested in receiving applications from western area senior centers located in any of the WCAAA’s 41 service area towns to implement 1-2 pilot programs focused on the “highest level evidence based health promotion activities”. All services must be targeted to western area residents age 60+. Although this RFP is intended to provide one year’s implementation funds, it is possible that funding will be able for FFY 2020.

Funding for this initiative is primarily derived from Older Americans Act Title III D funds but eventual funding may include Titles III B and D of Older Americans Act funding. Title D funds are generally targeted to promote healthy lifestyles among older adults and prevent or delay chronic conditions (CT State Plan on Aging, October 1, 2017 – September 30, 2020). Title III B funds are generally awarded for social service programs such as chore, transportation, senior centers, legal assistance.

The operational funded period is expected to be October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2019. No expenses may be charged to the approved Older Americans Act Title III funding before or after that time period. The application form is intentionally brief in that 1-2 successful applicants will receive forms such as lobbying and other required certifications upon notice of funding. Applicants may propose a single town based program but a small grouping of towns is encouraged. The anticipated funding range is $5,000 - $10,000. The State Plan on Aging has included references through goals and objectives of evidence based programs for focusing on issues such as caregivers, nutrition, physical activities, depression management and general mental health.

PURPOSE

The federal Administration on Aging, Administration for Community Living (ACL) and State of Connecticut State Unit on Aging (SUA) have established evidence based health promotion programs as a major priority for the next few years. According to the National Council on Aging, evidence based programs offer proven ways to promote health and prevent disease among older adults. They are based on research and provide documented health benefits. In short, these programs can demonstrate and measure reliable and positive changes in seniors’ health.

A listing and description of evidence based programs can be found on NCOA’S website which is www.ncoa.org. NCOA is the National Council on Aging. That site also includes a discussion by the Administration for Community Living. Conceptual issues and beginning an evidence based program can be found on the Evidence Based Leadership Council website which is eblcprograms.org/.

The following are the guiding principles to be utilized by the WCAAA Board of Directors and others in reviewing proposals:

Proposals must represent the highest level of evidence based programming as noted on the NCOA website. It is possible that programs are evidence based but not cited on the NCOA website. Applicants must then provide a citation showing the basis for evidence based designation.
Single towns may be the focus of a proposal. However, applicants proposing to include several towns may be considered more favorably.
Evidence based efforts that build on current senior center activities will be of particular interest to the WCAAA.
Proposals that focus on the wider senior community in the targeted area are encouraged. While the WCAAA supports senior centers, persons who are not senior center attendees should be drawn into the project through outreach and networking.
The WCAAA strongly recommends consolidation of any of the following evidence based example programs that appear on the NCOA website: Tai Chi, Pearls, Matter of Balance, at Smart, Move More, Weight Less, Falls Talk, Fit & Strong, Healthy Steps for Older Adults, On the Move, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, SHARE. See the NCOA website for other evidence based programs.

TIMETABLE

The following is the anticipated timetable for this project:
September 4, 2018 (4PM)   Application due date (absolute – no extensions)
September 5 – 10, 2018   Review of proposals to include one representative from SUA
September 13, 2018 WCAAA Advisory Council meeting
September 21, 2018   WCAAA Board of Directors meeting (award decision/s); notification to successful applicant(s)

REQUIRED APPLICATION FORMS

The intent of this application process is to streamline requirements and required information. Please limit your response to application questions to five pages. The budget form is separate and consists of two pages. In total, the maximum number of pages to be completed and received by the WCAAA by September 4, 2018 (4pm) is 7. Completed applications must be received at the WCAAA office, 84 Progress Lane, Waterbury by September 4, 2018 (4pm) and may be faxed, hand delivered, mailed or emailed to Christina Fishbein, Executive Director at cfishbein@sbcglobal.net. Fax # is 203-757-4081.

eblcprograms.org ncoa.org

NOTE: THE 3 FORMs MAY BE PRINTED AND REPRODUCED. PLEASE DO NOT MODIFY THE QUESTIONS. THANK YOU.

Form 1 - Application Form 2 - Narrative/Resource List Form 3 - Budget Overview

SPECIAL ALERT FOR ADVOCATES, SENIORS AND CAREGIVERS!

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 04:00:00 +0000

In the last State Legislative session, the CT State Legislature increased meals for seniors by $2 million. HOWEVER, THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE AND OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT “TOOK” THE $2 MILLION TO OFFSET THE STATE’S DECIFIT OF $9,515,570.

WE NEED EVEYONE’S HELP IN CONTACTING STATE LEGISLATORS AND THE GOVERNOR TO RESTORE THE $2 MILLION. PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL YOUR STATE LEGISLATOR AND THE GOVERNOR TO RELEASE THOSE FUNDS.

FEEL FREE TO CALL THE WCAAA FOR MORE INFORMATION AT 203-757-5449

Husky A and the Medicare Savings Program have been Restored

Fri, 11 May 2018 04:00:00 +0000

Funding for the Medicare Saving Program and Husky A Medicaid has been restored for 2018.

Governor Malloy today signed budget legislation adopted by the General Assembly that includes full funding restoration for the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP). The legislation reverses cutbacks that had been scheduled to take effect in July 2018. This means that more than 113,000 beneficiaries that are currently getting MSP benefits, will continue to get the same benefits going forward. However, redetermination must be made every year to assurance eligibility.

Lawmakers also agreed to restore funding for the HUSKY A Medicaid program for about 13,500 low-income working parents.

To read full article please visit http://digitaledition.courant.com/infin…/article_share.aspx…

New Medicare Cards are in the Mail

Fri, 04 May 2018 04:00:00 +0000

I’m pleased to report that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have started to mail new Medicare cards to beneficiaries.

Instead of a Social Security Number (SSN), the new cards will have a Medicare number that’s unique to each beneficiary. The new card will help protect identities and secure personal information. Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.

Medicare will automatically mail new cards at no cost to the address on file here at Social Security. So please make sure the address of anyone you’re helping is up-to-date. An address can be updated easily by using my Social Security .

As Medicare beneficiaries begin to receive their replacement cards, please share these three tips with them:

Once you get your New Medicare card, destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new one right away. Don’t just throw the old card away—shred it or cut it into small pieces.
Doctors, other health care providers, and plans approved by Medicare know that Medicare is replacing your old card. They’re ready to accept your new card when you need care.
Beware of anyone contacting you about your new Medicare card and asking for your Medicare number, personal information, or to pay a fee for your new card. Treat your Medicare number like you treat your Social Security or credit card numbers. Remember, you don’t need to do anything to get your new card. Medicare will never contact you uninvited to ask for your personal information.

In addition, just last month Social Security started removing the SSN from many of its notices and forms to prevent fraud, fight identity theft, and safeguard taxpayer dollars. These communications also include benefit-verification notices, Social Security post-entitlement notices, and certain documents sent to appointed representatives. The benefit-verification letter includes the recipient’s name and address. The SSN isn’t intended to serve as identification, nor should it be used as such by third parties.

Please share this information through your networks. For more information about the new Medicare card, click medicare.gov/newcard. You can also check Medicare.gov for tips to prevent Medicare fraud.

As always, thank you for your interest in our programs and the people we serve!

Sincerely,
Bob Patterson
Acting Associate Commissioner, External Affairs
(T) 410-965-1804

The Renters Rebate Program Starts in April

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 04:00:00 +0000

The Renters Rebate Program Starts in April

From April 1st to October 1st Connecticut renters who are at least 65 years old (in most cases) or totally disabled and do not exceed certain income limits can receive rebates on the rent they have paid. Rebates can be up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single persons. The renters' rebate amount is based on a graduated income scale and the amount of rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made in the calendar year prior to the year in which the renter applies. Applications may be filed at your town social service agency or your town's Assessor's Office.

Read 2-1-1's eLibrary paper to learn more about who's eligible for the renters' rebate program and click HERE for a list of locations where applications can be filed in your town or city.

Article Provided by 2-1-1 Community Connection

2-day FREE Dental Care

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 04:00:00 +0000

Connecticut Mission of Mercy will host a-two day clinic service to provide free dental care to the undercovered or uninsured in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach (CDFO) in collaboration with the Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA) held the state’s first Mission of Mercy project in 2008. Every year, the Connecticut Mission of Mercy project is held in a different location throughout the state and this year the service will be hosted at: 50 Major Besse Dr, in Torrington CT, 06790 on April 20 and 21.

Services provided include: Exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, oral health education, X-rays, fillings, Extractions, Interim Partial Dentures (limited), Root Canals (limited).

For more information visit their website: www.cfdo.org.