House Republican Press Release

April 2, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Measure to Expand Alternatives to Nursing Homes Clears Major Hurdle

Rep. Kevin DelGobbo Hails Progress on “Money Follows the Person” Bill

Leaders to Announce their Support at Capitol News Conference Tomorrow

Legislation to help people receive long-term health care at home rather than in a nursing home is moving ahead with bipartisan support.

State Representative Kevin M. DelGobbo, R-70, Naugatuck, lauded a unanimous vote Tuesday by the legislature’s Appropriations Committee, of which he is the ranking member, in favor of a bill that would significantly expand a program that enables people who need long-term health care to receive it at home rather than at nursing homes.

Rep. DelGobbo expressed his passionate support for the legislation, adding: “Expanding the money follows the person program is not only the right thing to do, but also is a more cost-effective alternative to nursing homes.”

Rep. DelGobbo noted that Assembly Speaker James Amann, D-Milford, and House Republican Leader Larry Cafero, R-Norwalk, have scheduled a new conference for Thursday, April 3, to announce their support of the measure.

The legislation, Senate Bill 561, would expand the current Money Follows the Person demonstration program, which allows up to 700 individuals to use their Medicaid benefits to cover long-term health care at their homes instead of at nursing home facilities, said Rep. DelGobbo, who cosponsored the measure.

The bill, which was the subject of a recent public hearing before the state legislature’s Human Services Committee, would expand the current program to give up to 5,000 persons the opportunity to choose home health care treatment over long-term care at nursing homes, said Rep. DelGobbo, who last year was an original supporter of the pilot program.

Rep. DelGobbo has worked closely with Southbury resident Joseph Stango and Naugatuck resident Robert Veillette, who authored the legislation and spearheaded public efforts to seek General Assembly approval.

“A bipartisan group of legislators has worked extremely hard this session to move this proposal forward,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “Particular thanks goes to Representatives Arthur O’Neill and Corky Mazurek, Senators Joan Hartley and Jonathan Harris and others.”

Rep. DelGobbo serves the 70th Assembly District of Naugatuck in the state House of Representatives