Comprehensive Outreach Project for Elders (COPE)

Do you want to know more about benefits and services available to older adults?  Do you need help to complete complicated applications for benefits, assistance or entitlement programs?  Do the programs and services offered to older adults confuse you?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, COPE can help you!  COPE Staff will give you the information and help you need to obtain services and benefits that may be available to you.

If you are 60 years old or older and receive energy assistance, you may also be eligible for:

• CONNPACE - CT Prescription Assistance Program (65 yrs and older).  Pay only $12 for each prescription; $25 annual enrollment fee, 6 month Connecticut residency.  Income limit $15,600 (single) and $18,700 (married) effective 1/1/02.  Income limit $20,000 (single) and $27,100 (married) effective 4/1/02.

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• CONNMAP - Medicare Assignment Program.  You pay no more than 20% of fee allowed by Medicare.  Income limit $24,915 (single) and $29,865 (married).

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• Tax Relief - Homeowners receive a reduction in local tax bills.  Renters receive rebates of up to $700 (single) or $900 (married).  Must be 65, income limit $23,100 (single) $28,300 (married), 6 month Connecticut residency.

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• QMB - Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program.  Medicare Part A and B premiums paid. Pays 20% coinsurance for services covered by Medicare.  Income limits of $10,788 (single) and $16,008 (married).  Asset limits of $4,000 (single) and $6,000 (married), excluding home.

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• Senior Aide Program - Employment in local non-profit organizations.  20 hours/week.  Income limit $10,740 (single) and $14,508 (married).

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• National Service Corps Volunteer Program - Volunteer opportunities with Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs, 20 hours/week.  Tax-free stipend of $2.65/hour Income limit $10,740 (single) and $14,515 (married).  Deductions to income for medical expenses allowed.

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• SNET Lifeline - $7 per month credit on telephone bill; Must be eligible for CONNPACE, energy assistance, TXIX , AABD, Food Stamps, SSI, Section 8 Housing, Rental Assistance Program.

Other programs having no income eligibility include:

• Senior Nutrition Services - Lunch served Monday thru Friday at 26 congregate meal sites.  Meals-on-Wheels delivered to homebound.  $2.50 per meal suggested donation.

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• CHORE Program for Waterbury & Meriden -  Housecleaning, minor home repairs and yard work for frail elders. Donation requested based upon sliding scale.  Program available in Waterbury and Greater Meriden.

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• Retired & Senior Volunteer Program - Diverse volunteer opportunities for persons age 55 and older in local non-profit and public organizations, schools, health care facilities, social service agencies and other organizations impacting on community needs.

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• Senior Centers - Focal points for activities and services.  4 located in Waterbury; 1 in each Central Naugatuck Valley town.

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• EHSS - Elderly Health Screening Service; Health Screening tests

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• Adult Day Care - Day-time care for frail elders in local centers.  Suggested donation or fee charged

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• Transportation - Door-to-door to medical appointments, shopping, meals and jobs. Range of services provided varies by community.

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• CHOICES - Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program. Free counseling on Medicare/Medicaid insurance issues

Additional programs and services include:

• CT Home Care Program for Elders - Assists persons aged 65 and older who are at-risk of institutional placement to remain living at home. In-home health and supportive services provided. Applicants are screened for health status, income and assets to determine eligibility. 

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• Voice Care - Personal emergency response system – 24 hr/day coverage

CALL COMPREHENSIVE OUTREACH PROJECT FOR ELDERS AT (203) 575-9799 ext. 244 or 222 FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF THESE AND OTHER SERVICES FOR OLDER ADULTS.  Comprehensive Outreach Project for Elders (COPE) is sponsored by New Opportunities, Inc. and is funded by the Older Americans Act through a grant from the Western CT Area Agency on Aging, Inc., by the Waterbury Foundation and private donations. Client Intake/Assessment forms are available online.  Simply download and print a form using Adobe Acrobat Reader.  Additional elderly support information is available online at www.benefitscheckup.org.