Area seniors air grievances about health care, services
Dental Access an Issue
New Haven
November 14, 2006
by Angela Carter, Register Staff
Questions and comments on access to vision and
dental services, preventative health
options,
nutrition and long-term care services dominated a
town hall-style meeting for seniors Monday at
Gateway Community College.
The two-hour event was sponsored by the Connecticut
Commission on Aging, New Haven Department of Elderly
Services and Gateway to give the more than 100
seniors who attended a chance to speak up about
their needs — and they did just that.
"Who plans our meals? We had shells three days in a
row," said Ella J. Smith, a member of New Haven’s
Dixwell neighborhood senior center. Smith also asked
if elderly patrons could get involved in planning
lunches provided to city senior centers by Community
Action Agency of New Haven.
Another participant asked if processed meats, which
have higher percentages of fats and salt, could be
eliminated from senior lunches.
Darcey Lynn Cobbs, director of New Haven’s Elderly
Services department, said there also have been
requests for Latin meals at the Fair Haven center
and she would speak with officials at CAA about the
possibilities of changing menus or vendors and
involving seniors in meal planning.
Sydney Evans, a senior advocate who is host of a
public access television show and runs a Web site
where people can order stationary handmade by
disabled artists, urged attendees to write to state
legislators about the health-related and financial
challenges they face. "The problem is not them. The
problem is us. We don’t follow through," he said. "I
will give each one of you an envelope to write to
our legislators. ... Watch what happens. You’ll get
action."
About half the audience raised their hands when
asked if they struggle to pay for dental care or
equipment such as hearing aids.
Evelyn Madigan of East Haven needs help replacing
her glasses.
Neysa Stallman Guerino, executive director of the
Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut, told
the group to seek federally-funded health centers in
their communities, such as the Hill Health Center in
New Haven. Expect a longer wait for appointments,
she said.
"It’s the reimbursement rates that dentists
aren't favorable with," said Pamela A. Giannini,
director of the state Bureau of Aging, under the
Department of Social Services. "We have to fight to
get higher rates of reimbursement," Guerino said.
Joseph Dimow of New Haven asked if Connecticut
lawmakers could negotiate lower rates on medications
for Medicare Part D recipients. "Can they put
pressure on Congress? I think that’s one of the most
disgraceful laws they've ever put into practice,"
Dimow said to hearty applause.
Julia Evans Starr, executive director of the
Connecticut Commission on Aging, said any changes
must first come at the national level. "The new
leaders in Congress are saying that’s going to be
one of their top three priorities. That’s very, very
promising," she said.
People 55 and over can find out what health care,
prescription drug assistance, housing, home energy,
nutrition, legal and other programs they would be
eligible for by contacting the Agency on Aging’s
"BenefitsCheckUp" service. Call 1-800-994-9422 or visit
http://www.benefitscheckup.org/
Angela Carter can be reached at 789-5614 or
acarter@nhregister.com
İNew Haven Register 2007
Editor's Note: Highlighting by COHI.
Send us your news and stories on access to oral
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Updates.
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About Connecticut Oral Health Initiative
The Connecticut Oral Health Initiative, or COHI for
short, is a state-wide collaborative of dental
professionals, business and community leaders. Our
Mission is Oral Health Care for All. We work to
persuade, educate and inform decision makers and the
general public about the important issues involving
oral health. We started in 1992 as a project of the
Connecticut State Dental Association and
incorporated as a separate 501(c)(3) non-profit
corporation in 2003. We are supported by your
tax-deductible contribution and grants from
progressive foundations and businesses.
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Connecticut Oral Health Initiative
Marty Milkovic
Executive Director
phone:
860-246-COHI (2644)
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