skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

US sues NY state officials over immigration enforcement; NM's national monuments face new development threats from Trump; NC community colleges get 'boost' to bring more students to high-demand jobs; Trump's resignation plan for federal workers can move forward; Advocates push for program to decrease wildlife collisions in VA.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Deregulation raises environmental and public health concerns, national monuments face potential risks, political neutrality in education sparks protests, and Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation fuels controversy.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

CT telehealth law made permanent, helps senior health access

play audio
Play

Thursday, June 6, 2024   

Newly signed Connecticut laws can improve access and the quality of health care for seniors.

One significant change is extending a pandemic-era telehealth law slated to sunset this month. The law authorizes more types of health care providers to offer telehealth services and lets out-of-state authorized providers practice in Connecticut.

Nora Duncan, state director for AARP Connecticut, said the law also makes it a cost-effective health care option.

"You can't charge an uninsured patient more than the Medicare reimbursement rate for telehealth services, for instance," Duncan explained. "An HMO, for instance, can't reduce the amount of reimbursement they pay to telehealth providers for covered services appropriately provided through telehealth instead of in person."

She added the law prevents reimbursement rates from biasing providers for or against telehealth. Surveys show seniors use telehealth more with 70% of adults 50 and older saying they are comfortable with the services. But some older adults prefer in-person visits for diagnosis accuracy, thoroughness, and providing a personal touch.

Some bills failed to pass through the General Assembly. One bill would have put enforcement mechanisms in place for the My CT Savings program. It would require businesses with five or more employees to provide payroll deductions into retirement savings.

Duncan emphasized compliance with the program is important.

"Employees don't have to participate in this program, they can opt out, but employers do need to offer it," Duncan noted. "I think a stick associated with failing to comply with the law is important and we'll be back to get that done next year."

While the bill passed through the Senate, it did not make it through the House. Along with reintroducing the bill, Duncan added in the 2025 legislative session, work will be done to build off other legislation like continuing to improve the quality of care in nursing homes.

Disclosure: AARP Connecticut contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy and Priorities, Health Issues, Hunger/Food/Nutrition, and Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
Farmers markets encourage consumption of fruits and vegetables, which is much more climate-friendly compared with a meat-based diet. (Corey/Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

By Gabriella Sotelo for Sentient.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Sentient/Just and Climate-Friendly …


Environment

play sound

As the Trump administration considers oil, gas and mining on lands owned by all Americans, including in national monuments designated under the …

Social Issues

play sound

Connecticut education advocates feel Gov. Ned Lamont's 2026-2027 budget proposal continues a history of underfunding education. While the new budget …


Alabama Senate Bill 76 would also protect individuals from having to leave someone under their care if finding a suitable replacement is impossible during jury service. (Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee has unanimously approved a bill that would exempt nursing mothers from jury duty. The proposal comes after an …

play sound

Ohio Senate Bill 1 is drawing strong reactions across the state, particularly from students in higher education. The bill, which its supporters say …

Cape Fear Community College is among the 15 colleges in the NC Community Colleges Boost pilot program. (Billy Hathorn/Wikimedia Commons)

Social Issues

play sound

An effort to increase students heading into high-demand jobs from North Carolina's community colleges is receiving a "boost." The N-C Community Colleg…

Social Issues

play sound

A January report shows that in rural counties home to large numbers of American Indians, including in Montana, people are more likely to rely on …

Environment

play sound

Virginia is the ninth-likeliest state for a driver to hit wildlife but environmental advocates are working to change it. One in 76 people in …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021