2009 Connecticut Chapter Legislative Priorities

Approximately 70,000 Connecticut residents are living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia with over 112,000 caregivers.  The number of individuals living with Alzheimer's is expected to grow by as much as 50% by 2030 with the aging of the baby boom generation.  We call upon members of the Connecticut General Assembly to join us in supporting:

Respite Care

The Respite Care program offers caregiver relief from the overwhelming task of ongoing care for a loved one with dementia including an assessment and purchase of necessary services.  In 2008, program participation increased by 24% with 813 awarded grants, demonstrating the growing number of individuals utilizing services.  

• Maintain current Respite Care funding at $2.3 million per year
• Increase the maximum grant size allowed to families from $3500 to $7500 per calendar year
• Index the Respite Care Income and Asset Eligibility Criteria to the Social Security Income Cost of Living Adjustment
• Allow Personal Care Assistant (PCA) services to be utilized in the program 
  

Connecticut Alzheimer's Disease State Plan
Connecticut needs to build dementia-capable programs for the growing number of people with the disease.  The plan will prepare Connecticut to address a range of issues including dementia capable support services for people of all ages at all stages of the disease, quantifying the number of individuals with Alzheimer's, quality of long-term care, availability of diagnostic services, Medicaid coverage where necessary and safety of persons who wander.

• Support an initiative to develop a Connecticut Alzheimer's Disease State Plan
• Initiate Plan development

Medicaid

Medicaid funds and provides health services, nursing home care, and various home and community based services for individuals who meet program requirements.  It is important to:

• Assure individuals with Alzheimer's that needed services are available in the most appropriate setting
• Ensure quality of care standards are maintained by providing dementia-capable services and the training necessary to meet the special needs of this population
• Maintain appropriate Medicaid reimbursment rates for health care providers to help ensure that quality care is provided

For more information on these issues, please contact Christy Kovel, Senior Director of Public Policy and Communications at 860-828-2828 or by email christianne.kovel@alz.org