House Republican Press Release

June 16, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Kevin DelGobbo Joins Governor for Historic Bill Signing

New Law Will Help Thousands of Seniors Receive Care at Home Rather than Having to Go into a Nursing Home

State Rep. Kevin M. DelGobbo, R-70^th, Naugatuck, joined with Gov. M. Jodi Rell and other leaders at a bill signing ceremony for one of the most important new laws adopted during the 2008 legislative session.

The new law, co-authored by Rep. DelGobbo, will allow seniors and others with long term care needs to use their Medicaid benefits to receive care at home, rather than having to enter a nursing home.

The measure, also known as the Money Follows the Person law, significantly expands alternatives to nursing homes by enabling people who need long-term health care to receive it at home.

Rep. DelGobbo said, “This legislation is the first building block in what will be a profound change for the better in the choices people have for their long term care.”

The legislation, SB 561, expands the existing Money Follows the Person demonstration program, which had allowed up to 700 individuals to use their Medicaid benefits to cover long-term health care at their homes instead of at nursing home facilities.

The new law expands 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 spearheaded public efforts to seek General Assembly approval.

“This is one of the most important measures adopted by the legislature this year,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “It goes a long way toward helping people remain in their own homes as long as possible.”

“A bipartisan group of legislators has worked extremely hard this session to move this proposal forward,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “Thanks to the governor for supporting this important measure and enacting it into law.”

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