Sharing A Letter to Save CT Medicare Savings Program (MSP) from having as Asset Limit of $15,720/ single or $23,600/couple

From Fairfield CT Human and Social Services

Good morning,

Fairfield Seniors need your help. We don't often ask for your help advocating for Fairfield seniors on the state level, but this year is different.

     Governor Lamont's FY22 budget implements an asset test for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP). If passed, tens of thousands of seniors and people with disabilities in CT who rely on the Medicare Savings Program to help pay their healthcare and prescription costs will lose their benefits. Connecticut is the seventh most expensive state to live in with housing costs an estimated 57% higher than the average and some of the highest energy costs in the nation.

 The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) helps cover some Medicare-related expenses for people with lower incomes. Depending on the individual's income, MSP can help cover all or some of, Medicare's premiums, deductibles and cost sharing. The MSP helps ensure coverage for healthcare tests and proper medication regimes that reduce hospital re-admissions, minimize illness and avoid premature institutional placement.

     The proposed asset limits are $15,720 for single individuals and $23,600 for couples. This would include all money in a checking or savings account, IRA, retirement account, life insurance and stocks and bonds. An individual's primary home, one car, a burial plot, up to $1,500 in a burial account, household and personal items will be excluded.  With a maximum asset allowance of $15,720, costly home repairs like a new roof and a furnace repair will wipe out a senior's savings leaving them without cash to pay their monthly household expenses.

     If you (or someone you know) is at risk of losing MSP benefits it's important to let your legislators know NOW how the loss of MSP will affect you and your ability to live day to day.

                What can you do? Contact your state legislators and let them know how these cuts will impact you or a loved one. 

                                State Senator Tony Hwang
                                Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov
                                (800) 842-8267

                                State Representative Laura Devlin
                                Laura.Devlin@housegop.ct.gov
                                (800) 842-1423

State Representative Jennifer Leeper
                                Jennifer.Leeper@cga.ct.gov
                                (800) 842-8267

                                State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey
                                Cristin.McCarthyVahey@cga.ct.gov
                                (800) 842-8267 

       Here is a sample email you can send: My name is (insert name) and I live at (insert address). I am a taxpayer and a voter. I am calling to ask that you not implement an asset test for the Medicare Savings Program. This program is a lifeline for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. The asset test will have devastating effects seniors who rely on the program in order to afford their healthcare and prescription costs. 

     If you are comfortable, share your personal story about how the cuts will impact you if you lose your Medicare Savings Program benefits.

Thank you for your advocacy.

Julie DeMarco
Human Services Director