Check here regularly for the latest information on hearings (the public only receives 5 days notice including weekends and holidays), rallies, lobby days, new bills, upcoming meetings and anything else that you need to know to continue to educate, advocate and otherwise participate!

 

LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY & SUMMER 2010:

KTP is focusing on organizing Candidate Forums in local districts (see Candidate Forums section below) during the summer and Fall of 2010.

The 2010 Legislative Session ended on May 5, 2010. The Connecituct Legislature approved a $19 billion budget for FY 2011 on that date. Mental health advocates saw several major victories including: no Medicaid co-pays; no prescription co-pay increases for people on Medicare and Medicaid (stayed at $15/month cap); the protection for people who are stable on psychiatric medications was maintained; 50 new rental assistance vouchers were funded for Supportive Housing for people with psychiatric disabilities who are frequent users of expensive state services. In addition, there were no across-the-board funding cuts to nonprofit providers.

Some of the negative cuts include: eliminating Medicaid coverage for most over the counter drugs, restrictions on Medicaid coverage for eyeglasses, and increase premiums for HUSKY B recipients. There are also over $200 million in unspecified cuts that could potentially impact critical programs and services.

Legislation that passed included the Medical Inefficiency Committee's alternative definition of medical necessity agreed upon by the committee and DSS and supported by advocates; SB 246 (part of this bill requires DMHAS Commissioner to adopt regulations for certifying new intermediate care psychiatric beds in private hospitals); SB 402 (adds DMHAS to CT's Behavioral Health Partnership); and SB 281 (requires the state's Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee to ensure opportunity for public input). SB 424 (Agency Consolidation bill) and SB 140 (addresses plans for youth transitioning from DCF to DMHAS) both died.

KTP would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who volunteered their time to contact legislators, gave testimony, came to public hearings, got their message in the media, or held local legislative events in their communities. Your incredible dedication and advocacy efforts made a real difference this session: give yourselves a hand!

The best way to stay abreast of current happenings is to join our email alert list (see "Get Involved" tab or contact KTP at (800) 215-3021).

 

CANDIDATE FORUMS

KTP is focusing on organizing Candidate Forums in local districts. Please see the "Events and Trainings" page for further information or call KTP at (800) 215-3021 for more information. This is a CRITICAL way to educate candidates about KTP issues and community mental health care in CT.

 

ATTENTION! MEDICATION ACCESS CHANGES

State policy changes impacting prescription drug access were implemented with most changes taking effect between January 1, 2010 - April 1, 2010. These changes impact people on Medicaid (including HUSKY A), SAGA, ConnPACE and those on Medicare Part D.

If you or someone you know or work with has trouble getting medication prescribed by a doctor resulting in medication disruption and/or other adverse consequences, please contact NAMI-CT (Alicia) or Keep the Promise Coalition (Cheri or Maura) at 800-215-3021 to report it.

It is critical that we document any harm resulting from these restrictive policies in order to create change.

Click here for a flyer you can post.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MEDICARE PART D LOW-INCOME SUBSIDY!

The Low-Income Subsidy, also known as “Extra Help,” provides financial assistance for some Medicare Part D beneficiaries who have limited income and resources. Those who are eligible for this low-income subsidy will get help paying for 75% or more of their monthly premium, yearly deductible, prescription coinsurance and copayments and no gap in coverage.  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) encourages all Medicare Part D beneficiaries to apply for the Low-Income Subsidy, which in 2009 is estimated to be worth $3,923 at the pharmacy and as much as $298 in annual premiums.  Because best treatment guidelines for mental health conditions require that patients have access to a wide array of available medications, the Low-Income Subsidy can be critical for persons with mental illnesses who struggle to pay their Medicare Part D premiums and purchase needed medications.   It is estimated that there are 13,000 people in Connecticut who are eligible for the Low-Income Subsidy but haven’t applied!  The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Connecticut (NAMI-CT) is holding presentations and staffing informational tables state-wide to raise awareness in the mental health community of the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS).  Check out KTP’s “Events and Trainings” page for more information about the Low-Income Subsidy and local events or to request an event in your area.  CLICK HERE TO PRINT AND SHARE A FLYER ON THE LOW-INCOME SUBSIDY!

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KTP MONTHLY MEETING REMINDER!

**Next Meeting: July 21, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon!**

** PLEASE NOTE: The July 21st monthly KTP meeting will be held in a DIFFERENT LOCATION-

Please join us for a COOKOUT @ Chrysalis' Recovery & Empowerment Center, 255 Homestead Ave., Hartford, CT (Corner of Woodland St. & Homestead Ave.-former Sealtest Factory. Park in lot off Homestead Ave.).

Usual location (NOT JULY 2010) is: CONNECTICUT VALLEY HOSPITAL, PAGE HALL, ROOM 217, Middletown, CT 06457

LUNCH served at 11:45 a.m.!

PLEASE RSVP TO CHERI OR MAURA (860-882-0236 or toll free 1-800-215-3021) SO WE KNOW HOW MUCH FOOD TO ORDER. THANKS!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!