Author: Connecticut Amputee Network (CAN)

The Attorney General’s Office, in cooperation with the Coalition for Elder Justice in Connecticut (CEJC), has launched the Elder Justice Hotline – 1-860-808-5555, a new resource to help older adults in Connecticut seek information, assistance, and justice.

Elder Justice Hotline 1-860-808-5555

Elder justice issues affect everyone in our community and touch upon many aspects of our lives.  Issues affecting older adults can range from age-based discrimination in the workplace to elder abuse, neglect, fraud, and exploitation.  As a result, no one state agency can answer every question.

If you have been the victim of a scam, or neglected, exploited or abused, the Elder Justice Hotline is available to help. The Hotline is staffed by the Attorney General’s Office Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. Hotline staff are also available to help access benefits or assistance. They will be able to connect you with agencies that are available to help. When calling after hours, you can leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation received through the Hotline will be referred to the Department of Social Service, Elderly Protective Services Unit. Individuals may also report such complaints directly by calling  1-888-385-4225 (during regular business hours) or to Infoline at 211 after hours, weekend and state holidays. If calling from outside Connecticut, call Infoline at 211 or call 1-800-203-1234.  Additional information on how to report elder abuse can be found at Social Work Services–Related Resources (ct.gov).

https://portal.ct.gov/ag/elderhotline

A new prescription drug discount card program is now available to CT residents. Negotiated by the CT State Comptroller’s office, CT residents have another way to save on prescription drugs. This digital discount card is available to anyone living full-time or part-time in Connecticut–no age, income, immigration, or insurance restrictions. The program is free and easy to use. To register, visit arrayrxcard.com. For assistance with signup, call 800-913-4146.

This is a pharmacy savings program, not insurance. It can be used in place of your health insurance prescription drug coverage, when the savings is greater than that of your insurance plan.

Benefits include:
> Compare prices online before you go to the pharmacy
> 98% of CT pharmacies are included, and also can be used at over 64,000 pharmacies nationwide
> Save up to 80% on all FDA-approved medications, including diabetes supplies, smoking cessation medications, vaccinations, and over-the-counter drugs that have a National Drug Code
> As a CT State program, ArrayRx is free to use, has no restrictions, and ensures your information is protected and confidential

How to Use Your Digital Discount Card:
> Sign up at arrayrxcard.com, or call 800-913-4146 (10:30am to 8:30pm, Monday through Friday) for assistance
> Download your digital discount card to your smartphone
> Show your pharmacist your digital discount card to compare prices

So Kids Can Move is a new policy and advocacy initiative working to expand access to prostheses and orthoses utilized for physical activity as medically necessary healthcare for children on a state-by-state basis. It is the result of a collaboration between the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA), the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP), the Amputee Coalition, and the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP).

You can help So Kids Can Move become reality in New Mexico. The New Mexico legislature allows expert testimony from outside the state. If you are a member of the limb loss community, you are an expert!

If you are interested in bringing So Kids Can Move to your state, contact Sam Miller, AOPA State and Federal Advocacy Manager at SMiller@AOPAnet.org. Whether it’s coalition-building, legislative drafting, or contacting policymakers, we can help you begin the process of advocating for recreational prostheses for children. So Kids Can Move has the resources you need to make your voice heard.

For more information, read these FAQs.

Yesterday my letter voicing support of the Triple A Study Act to the editor of the New Haven Register was published. Here’s a link to the published letter followed by the text of the letter:

https://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODN/NewHavenRegister/Default.aspx#

Concerned that you or a loved one may be infected? Need to know when to visit the doctor or emergency room? Call the COVID-19 Call Center for answers: 833-ASK-YNHH (833-275-9644). Healthcare professionals from the health system are available to answer your specific questions Monday – Friday, 7 am – 7 pm.

For more information: https://www.ynhhs.org/patient-care/covid-19.aspx

COVID-19 Is 60 the new 70?

Yes, it’s frightening to learn there’s a dangerous new virus out there. Since most amputees are over the age of 65, news of this new coronavirus can make it can feel like we’re living in a horror film.

But by taking control of what you can control, you can lessen your panic and anxiety. This article addresses specific steps you can take to stay safe and reduce your risk of falling ill.

Paralympians Todd Schauffenhauser and Dennis Oehler, creators of the Amputee Walking School and owners of East Coast Orthotic & Prosthetic Corp., will be teaching an Advanced Gait Training Clinic on September 28, 2019, in Stamford, CT.

Professionals in the field of rehabilitative therapy and sports can receive credit for six hours of continuing education.

Attendance is free.

For more information, contact Stephanie Yurasek at (914) 789-2740 or stephanie.yurasek@ec-op.com

How to Pass Insurance Fairness Legislation in Your State

Herb Kolodny and Brenda Novak presented at the Amputee Coalition 2019 National Conference today, July 25, 2019. Their presentation is available for download in PDF format below.

Last Friday, July 12th, Herb Kolodny and Brenda Novak were invited to present to orthopedic physicians, fellows, and residents at Yale Medicine Grand Rounds, on the topic “Arms and Legs Are Not Luxuries: New Rights for Amputees, Connecticut State Law PA18-69 effective January 1, 2019.” Their presentation is available to view online:

If button and image links do not work, copy and paste this link into your browser: https://yale.app.box.com/s/5g4n75bstsg328hen22s9zisujsc6fq2