Outreach

*Please also visit the “Forms, Policies, & Helpful Links” Page on this website for additional resources*

Outreach Update:

• Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help): Assistance is available for Medicare prescription drug costs for
beneficiaries with limited annual income and assets. If you qualify for the Medicare Savings
Program, you automatically qualify for the Low- Income Subsidy. The Low-Income Subsidy will
pay for all or most of the monthly premiums and annual deductibles and lower the prescription copays
related to your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan.

• Medicare Savings Programs: The Medicare Savings Programs pay for your monthly Medicare Part
B premium. You will then get the amount for Medicare Part B put back in your Social Security
check each month. In order to qualify for this program certain income limits apply. There is no
asset test for The Medicare Savings Program. If your income falls below the limit you may qualify
for help paying for your Medicare coinsurance and deductibles similar to a “Medigap” policy.
If you qualify for the Medicare Savings Programs you will also automatically qualify for the LowIncome
Subsidy (Extra Help).

• The Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE): The CT Home Care Program for
Elders helps eligible seniors (ages 65+) to remain at home with the help of home care services. To
be eligible for this program, you must need assistance with such care as bathing, dressing, eating/
preparing meals, taking medication, or using the toilet.
The CHCPE can then offer help with these needs in addition to help with daily living activities like
cleaning, cooking and other chores.
Additionally, individuals must have limited assets. The CT Home Care Program for Elders also
has an Assisted Living Program. Assisted Living provides a special combination of housing,
supportive services, personalized assistance and health care.

• CT Energy Assistance/Contingency Heating Assistance Programs: Under these programs,
assistance is available with your primary heat source. There are income guidelines for these
programs based on the household size.
Please visit Winter Heating Assistance Program site for updated income information. Additionally, assets must be limited for homeowners or renters.
The exception to these asset limits is as follows: if you add your excess assets to your income, and
your income does not then exceed the income limits, you may still qualify for these programs.
The amount of assistance for which you may be eligible varies depending upon both your heat  source and your actual income level.

• Operation Fuel: Operation Fuel can assist you, yearly on a one-time basis. The income guidelines
vary from year to year, please visit Operation Fuel Banks for updated information. In order to be eligible for Operation Fuel you must apply for, receive and
exhaust your benefit with the Connecticut Energy Assistance/Contingency Heating Assistance Program.
Additional Outreach Efforts

• Connecticut’s program for Health insurance assistance, Outreach, Information and referral, Counseling, and Eligibility Screening (CHOICES): CHOICES provides comprehensive information regarding issues such as Medicare, Medicare Savings Programs, Medigap, prescription
drug assistance benefits, Medicaid, etc.

• Financial Assistance/Support Services: Community donations allow financial assistance to be
available for various needs through the Marion Celio Angel Fund, the Russell Schlitter Outreach Fund, and the Lions Fuel Assistance Fund
Support services are also available for caregivers through a monthly Caregivers Support Group held each month.

• Free Files of Life are available. Each has a magnetized strip for display on the refrigerator and wallet packets are available. The File of Life provides a system to record emergency personal information, medical history, and other important data which can be readily accessed by emergency responders.

The Russell Mercier Senior Center can assist you with applying for all of the above mentioned programs.
Please feel free to contact us at 228-1700,
Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.