B.R.I.D.G.E.

The goal of the B.R.I.D.G.E. Program (Benefits, Resources, Information, Development & Guidance for Elders & people with disabilities) is to make navigating these programs as smooth and stress-free as possible for the people we serve, operating under the “No Wrong Door” approach, ensuring individuals receive accurate information, appropriate referrals, and timely support regardless of where they enter the system. A key part of this approach is also working to minimize, as much as possible, unnecessary referral “hassles” or back-and-forth between programs, so clients can get the right support more efficiently and with fewer barriers. This means we collaborate closely, verify policy details carefully, and strive to connect individuals directly to the correct benefits and resources in a clear and streamlined way.

B.R.I.D.G.E. assists with

• CHOICES Related Matters: Medicare/Medicaid; Understanding DSS/SSA/Medicare/CMS correspondence; Claims or billing issues related to their insurance; Comparing and enrolling in Medicare plans, including Prescription Drug Plans or Medicare Advantage Plans; Recertifications and renewals of plans. 
• Application of: SNAP (Food Stamps) Program, Medical Husky, MSP (Medicare Savings Program)
• Conduct Federal and State benefits eligibility screenings; Recertifications and renewals of state/federal benefits.
• Application assistance, follow-up, and expedited submissions
• Escalating complex cases to appropriate units, including SSA, DSS, CT Department of Insurance, and more.

Ultimately, the B.R.I.D.G.E. Program serves as the vital link between complex bureaucratic systems and the people who depend on them. By acting as a single, trusted point of contact, we remove the guesswork from the application process and empower our clients to secure the life-sustaining benefits they deserve. Whether it is demystifying a piece of government mail or advocating for a client in a complex billing dispute, our mission is to ensure that no one in our community has to navigate the journey of aging or disability alone. We don't just provide a list of numbers; we provide a clear path forward, ensuring that every door you walk through is the right one.

Click the logo for additional CHOICES information

 Contact Our B.R.I.D.G.E. Department Today!

203-757-5449 opt. 4

BEC (Benefits Enrollment Center)

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) Center for Economic Well-Being supports a network of Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs) around the country to help low-income people with Medicare access programs that pay for healthcare, food, and more. Using web-based tools and person-centered approaches, the BECs help low-income seniors and persons with disabilities find and enroll in all the benefits programs for which they are eligible, and create coordinated, community-wide systems of benefits access.

What benefits do Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs) assist with?

The BECs focus on connecting Medicare beneficiaries with limited incomes to these core benefits:

• Medicare Part D Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)
• Medicare Savings Programs
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP—formerly known as Food Stamps)
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

BECs also help adults age 65+ and younger adults with disabilities to apply for other programs, such as Supplemental Security Income, State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs, local transportation assistance, tax relief, and more.

We value your input!

This Quality Assurance Survey allows you to provide honest feedback about the B.R.I.D.G.E. services you received. Your responses help us enhance the accuracy, clarity, and quality of the assistance we provide to Medicare beneficiaries.

Click here to submit your feedback

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CHOICES Counseling Locations

New Milford Senior Center
40 Main Street, New Milford  
860-355-6075
By appointment only

New Fairfield Senior Center
33 CT-37, New Fairfield
203-312-5665
By appointment only

Elmwood Hall Senior Center
10 Elmwood Place, Danbury
203-797-4686
By appointment only

Town of Litchfield Social Services
80 Doyle Road, Bantam  
860-567-7564

Newtown Social Services
28 Trades Lane, Newtown  
203-270-4330
By appointment only

Sherman Senior Center
8 CT-37, Sherman  
860-354-2414
By appointment only and walk-ins

Town of Salisbury
30 Salmon Kill Rd, Lakeville
860-435-5185

Cheshire Senior Center
240 Maple Ave, Cheshire
203-271-6690
By appointment only

Warren Social Services
50 Cemetery Rd, Warren
860-868-0058 x107

Brookfield Senior Center
100 Pocono Rd, Brookfield
203-775-5308
By appointment only

Ridgefield Social Services
400 Main St., Ridgefield
By appointment only and walk-ins

Torrington Sullivan Senior Center
88 East Albert St., Torrington
By appointment only

Southbury Senior Center
561 Main Street South, Southbury
By appointment only

Marshall Miles Interviews Amanda Halle of WCAAA on Aging New Medicare Savings