Senior Services on Chopping Block Again

[AARP Advocacy Alert] We understand sacrifice is needed, but how much pain can seniors take? [Take action]( to fight back against additional cuts to senior services that put older adults at risk. Dear {NAME}, Year after year, Connecticut seniors face deep cuts to core services that keep them safe and independent. And, new budget cuts under consideration, will put even more pressure on vulnerable seniors and their families. Right now, lawmakers are negotiating a budget deal that will be voted on in Special Session. Some of the proposals on the table include cuts to cost-effective home and community services for low and middle class seniors. These cuts threaten seniors’ quality of life and safety, and will end up costing taxpayers more in nursing home care. Please [send an email to your legislators]( opposing cuts to senior services before legislators approve a final budget deal. Recent cuts include: - 2009 New copays added to Connecticut Home Care Services for Elders - 2011 Copay increased (7%) 2015 Copay increased AGAIN (9%) - 2015 State-funded home care for seniors at risk of institutionalization CLOSED - 2015 Alzheimer’s family respite care CUT - 2016 Alzheimer’s family respite care cut AGAIN - 2017 $6 Million in Aging-in-Place funding CANCELLED Now, even deeper cuts to senior programs are on the table: - Closing the door to in-home supports and services for seniors who need help to live safely at home - Cuts to the CT Home Care Program for Elders that will force seniors onto waiting lists for care - Elimination of the Community First Choice program that provides personal care assistance to frail seniors and people with disabilities so they can live independently - Longer wait time for screening to get home care services - Deeper cuts to Alzheimer’s respite care for family caregivers - New cuts to prescription drug programs Enough, is enough! Legislative leaders will vote soon on a new budget deal. Don’t let them finalize a budget deal without hearing from you. [Ask lawmakers to protect core services that help seniors live with dignity at home.]( Nora Duncan, AARP CT State Director [AARP.ORG]( | [MAKE A DONATION]( | [TELL A FRIEND]( | JOIN US ON: [Facebook]( AARP 601 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20049 [AARP Privacy Policy]( [Unsubscribe from AARP Advocacy]( or [unsubscribe from all AARP e-mails](. [online fundraising, advocacy & donor database]( [nonprofit software](