Month: January 2020

West Hartford Senior Citizens Group Backs Sen. Slap’s Age Discrimination Bill

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West Hartford Senior Citizens Group Backs
Sen. Slap’s Age Discrimination Bill

WEST HARTFORD – A local senior citizens advisory group has endorsed a bipartisan bill proposed by state Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) that would help prevent age discrimination in the hiring process by prohibiting employers from asking the age, date of birth, or graduation dates of job applicants, unless a particular age is a bona fide occupational qualification.

The West Hartford Senior Citizens Advisory Commission voted to endorse the bill at its meeting last week. The nine-member Commission studies the conditions and needs of elderly and retired persons in West Hartford with regard to housing, employment, health, recreation, and their general welfare and comfort, and it analyzes public and private services provided for the aged and retired.

“A substantial number of our seniors need part-time, or even full-time, employment. This bill should help them overcome possible age-related bias,” said Phillip S. Walker, Chairman of the West Hartford Senior Citizens
Advisory Commission.

Sen. Slap’s bill has already been endorsed by the CT AARP, the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, and by the West Hartford-based Seniors Job Bank, a non-profit community organization which for 40 years has connected men and women over 50 seeking work to businesses and households with work to be done.

“While no legislation can by itself change the way people think, laws can influence what they do. Enacting this bill will remove an obstacle from an early stage of the hiring process,” said Seniors Job Bank Vice-President Bernie Weiss.

With 436,000 workers in their mid-50’s, Connecticut has the 6th-oldest workforce in the nation. A 2018 AARP survey found about 60% of older workers have seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace, and 76% of them see age discrimination as a hurdle to finding a new job

“This bill will help close a very costly loophole for older workers in Connecticut who disproportionately face under-employment and unemployment,” said Sen. Slap. “No one should be vetted for a job based solely on their age. This bill has received very strong bipartisan support very early this year, and I hope it can become one of the first legislative success

stories of 2020. It will make our economy fairer and stronger for everyone.”

Senator Anwar, Rep. Mcgee, Housing Committee Co-Chairs, Discuss 2020 Legislative Priorities and the ‘Right to Housing’

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Senator Anwar, Rep. Mcgee, Housing Committee Co-Chairs, Discuss 2020 Legislative Priorities and the ‘Right to Housing’

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined State Representative Brandon McGee (D-Hartford) as the Senate and House co-chairs of the Housing Committee presented their focuses and legislative priorities for the upcoming 2020 legislative session. As part of their discussion, both Sen. Anwar and Rep. McGee emphasized the need for Connecticut to support efforts to ensure the availability of stable and affordable housing. Sen. Anwar has said that is part of an approach to make Connecticut a “Right To Housing” state by 2030, fighting to prevent and end homelessness.

“No one should be homeless, but we still have homeless in our state,” said Sen. Anwar, who added that is despite the efforts of numerous leaders. “We need to aspire to be a ‘right to housing’ state. If we don’t work toward that, we are selling ourselves and our communities short. There is a moral reason for doing this, but there is also a financial reason: the cost of spending $1 on prevention and management of housing issues would result in the social and cost benefit of $15-20 in our communities. We would be able to reduce the cost of mental health care, behavioral health care, substance abuse care and medical care, and the workforce benefits would be essential. We are ahead of most of the country, but we are not ahead of where we should be or where we strive to be.”

Sen. Anwar said there will be three broad focuses in Housing Committee priorities to fight housing insecurity and strive toward this goal: prevention of homelessness, better identification and addressing individuals who recently became homeless, and finding long-term solutions. Examples of strategies he shared for prevention included support plans for at-risk individuals, while identifying issues would involve infusing more resources into currently existing and underfunded programs meant to assist individuals. The third would emphasize increasing available housing, especially affordable housing, for individuals to have increased opportunities to find homes.

“While CAN, or the Coordinated Access Network, works well in aiding those who are homeless, we need to bring ourselves to the next step,” said Rep. McGee. “When we talk about a right to housing, we talk about stable housing by expanding homeownership, addressing just cause eviction laws, increasing tenant protections, helping to reduce eviction rates across our state, and addressing unscrupulous landlords who exploit properties without concern for tenants, neighborhoods or their own long-term interests. We also need to increase mobility assistance, as having the ability to move to another high-opportunity area is another way to break the cycle of generational poverty.”

Rep. McGee cited a Princeton study that found Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport and Waterbury are among the 100 most likely cities for evictions in the Northeast, adding that 75 percent of Hartford households are renters, and as many as one in 18 tenants in the city may face eviction in a given year.

“These are problems that aren’t solved by building more shelters or affordable housing units,” said Rep. McGee. “It’s important to note people who are working are living in homelessness because they cannot afford where they live. About 28 percent of Connecticut’s population is low-income. We are short 7,900 rental units low-income people can afford. Two-thirds of homeless are from the suburbs. This is not just an urban problem. It’s not a Hartford issue. It’s not a Bridgeport issue. It’s a Connecticut issue. It’s time we stopped preventing those previously incarcerated from accessing housing. We need a strategy to assist those leaving prisons. It’s time we provide opportunities to people to access permanent supportive housing, by giving municipalities the power they need to enforce housing codes and provide landlords with the tools they need to provide quality, affordable homes.”

Sen. Anwar and Rep. McGee were joined by a number of legislators and housing leaders, among them Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury), State Representative Robyn Porter (D-New Haven), State Representative Geoff Luxenberg (D-Manchester) and State Representative Joe Zullo (R-East Haven).

Additional speakers included Matthew Morgan, director of nonprofit Journey Home; Karraine Moody, chief executive officer of Hartford Habitat for Humanity; David Hopkins, chief executive officer of the Urban League of Greater Hartford; Melvyn Colon, executive director of the Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance, Inc.; Barbara Shaw, executive director of Hands on Hartford; Sarah Fox, executive director of the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness; Kiley Gosselin, deputy executive director of the Partnership for Strong Communities; and Erin Boggs, executive director of Open Community Alliance.

 

Duff, Looney, Senate Democrats Announce “A Connecticut for All” Agenda

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Duff, Looney, Senate Democrats Announce “A Connecticut for All” Agenda

Bill proposals aim to support families and build a state for all our residents

Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and other members of the Senate Democratic caucus announced “A Connecticut for All,” the fourth of four legislative agendas for the 2020 legislative session from Senate Democrats. The series of bills outlined the policy proposals from Senate Democrats aim to support families and build a state for all our residents.

The legislative proposals in the “A Connecticut for All” agenda discussed today included:

SUPPORTING FAMILIES

Planned Parenthood Funding
To provide state funding for Planned Parenthood to counter the loss of federal Title X funding due to the Trump administration’s gag order.

Preventing Youth Suicide
To increase awareness, education and services to our youth around suicide prevention.

Diaper Changing Stations
To improve the health and safety of children by requiring all new or substantially renovated buildings that have public restrooms to provide at least one diaper changing table to women and men on each building floor that is accessible to the public.

PROTECTING CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS

Non-Disclosure Agreements
To stop employers from using non-disclosure agreements to silence victims of sexual harassment.

Captive Audience Meetings
To prohibit an employer from coercing employees into attending or participating in meetings sponsored by the employer concerning the employer’s views on religious or political matters.

Age Discrimination
To increase job protections for older workers in our state.

Narcan and Epi-Pens for Public Safety Officers
To increase the number of municipal and state police officers who carry life-saving Narcan
and EpiPens.

Read background information on the proposed legislation here.

Senator Mccrory to Host Black Doctors’ Day in Hartford

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Senator Mccrory to Host Black Doctors’ Day in Hartford

HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) will host ‘Black Doctors’ Day, a series of educational panel discussions and interactive events to encourage young people from the Greater Hartford community to consider pursuing careers in health care, on February 8, 2020 at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford.

“I am honored to serve as host of an afternoon that will provide young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, an opportunity to hear from notable Black physicians who are leaders in their respective medical fields,” said Sen. McCrory. “This event is a fantastic way to motivate our children to think about careers in health care and caring for the physical and mental well-being of others.”

The United States has an aging population, with 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day, which is causing an increasing demand for health care services. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in health care occupations will grow 14 percent between 2018 and 2028. However, in 2017, the Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce found that only 4% of Registered Nurses are Black and 3% are Hispanic.

“How can a child aspire to be something they don’t know exists? Black Doctors’ Day is a necessity. It is an opportunity for our children to engage with notable physicians and other health care professionals. Black Doctors’ Day will help build confidence, instill pride and allow our children to envision themselves as doctors. If our children can see it, they can achieve!” said Francine Austin, CEO and founder of Francine Entertainment & Marketing (FEM). FEM is producing Black Doctors’ Day.

Black Doctors’ Day is free and open to the public starting at 12:30 p.m., with onsite parking and lunch provided. Activities for young people of all ages are planned and the whole family is encouraged to attend. Please reach out to francinefem77@gmail.com or (860) 785-4921 with any questions about the event schedule.

Schedule:

12:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. – Educational and Financial Resource Center (EFRC)

1:00 p.m. – Registration and Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Welcome & Introduction
Francine Austin- Founder and CEO, Francine Entertainment & Marketing (FEM)
Senator Douglas McCrory- State of Connecticut
Sasa Harriott- Harriott Home Health Services
Dr. Reginald Eadie- President & CEO, Trinity Health Of New England
Renee Coleman-Mitchell- Commissioner, State of Connecticut Department of Public Health
Dr. Natalie Achong- First Black President of the Hartford County Medical Association

2:05 p.m.-3:15 p.m. – “To The Rescue”
Learn from other clinical providers in other medical fields such as Nurse Practitioners, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Therapists, Physician Assistant’s, Licensed Social Workers and many more.

2:05 p.m.-3:15 p.m. – Greater Hartford Toy Hospital
Fun interactive games for kids
Vet pet
The Doc is In!: Visit from Doc McStuffins
Operation games

2:05 p.m.-2:35 p.m. – Concurrent Sessions
“You’ve Got What It Takes”: An encouraging panel discussion on how to navigate the path to medical school and the career that follows suit. Participants will hear from interns, medical students, residents and physicians who will discuss what it takes in their journey through the medical field.
“What’s Up Doc!” Panelists will share their stories about why they became doctors. They will discuss the importance of having Black physicians in the community and their thoughts on preventive care regarding the five most significant diseases that affect people of color.

2:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m. – Concurrent Sessions
“You’ve Got What It Takes”
“What’s Up Doc!”

3:20 p.m.-3:40 p.m. – “We’re In This Together”
Q & A panel discussion

Sen. Cohen & Legislature’s Bioscience Caucus Briefed on Ct Job-Growth Possibilities

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Sen. Cohen & Legislature’s Bioscience Caucus Briefed on Ct Job-Growth Possibilities

HARTFORD – State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) and the state legislature’s Bioscience Caucus were briefed this week by a private-sector bioscience industry advocate and by the commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development on the next steps Connecticut must take in order to turn its blossoming bioscience industry, centered around New Haven, into a national hub of bioscience research, development and jobs.

The next steps, they said, are building more lab space, training more bioscience graduates and recruiting executive bioscience talent, securing more venture capital investments, improving transportation options like airports and trains, and creating a state entity to manage a five-year bioscience investment plan.

“We have a newly re-energized bipartisan Bioscience Caucus here in the state legislature that recognizes the tremendous growth that the bioscience industry has already experienced in Connecticut, and we want to ensure that it continues to develop and thrive,” said Sen. Cohen, who is co-chair of the Bioscience Caucus, which seeks to strengthen and promote Connecticut’s robust life sciences and biotech industries. “What we heard today is that additional lab space is a critical component for real bioscience growth in Connecticut, as is the infusion of more venture capital and a trained workforce. That’s all something we in the legislature can help accomplish, working in cooperation with academia and private-sector companies.”

Dawn Hocevar, the President & CEO of New Haven-based BioCT, presented a 21-page report to the Bioscience Caucus titled “What is the Status of the Bioscience Industry in Connecticut?” In the report, Hocevar notes that Connecticut employs 17,000 people in the bioscience industry and ranks second in the country in academic bioscience research and development, fourth in bioscience patents and bioscience venture capital investments, and eighth in science and engineering doctoral degrees.

“The legislature has done a great job creating incentives for this industry,” Hocevar said. “The goal is to take the 17,000 jobs we have right now in the bioscience industry sector and build that up to over 30,000 jobs. And we need a plan to do that.”

Hocevar cited Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Alexion, Sema4, The Jackson Laboratory and Medtronic as some of the leading bioscience employers in Connecticut, with average wages of $68,000 to $163,000 a year, far exceeding the average annual private-sector wage of $64,783 in Connecticut.

“If we can focus on this industry, not only will we be adding jobs in Connecticut, but we will be improving the quality of life in Connecticut,” Hocevar said.

Connecticut DECD Commissioner David Lehman concurred, noting that the bioscience sector is one of four or five sector clusters that he and Governor Ned Lamont will focus on growing in the coming years.

“Bioscience is definitely going to be one of those industries,” Lehman said.

The challenges, they noted, are few:

  • “Wet labs” are critical for both start-ups and so-called “graduation space”; developers often seek incentives to creates these types of laboratories.
  • It’s critical for talent to match industry needs both now and in the future; expanding the “biopath” programs offered at some state colleges and public schools would help fill that need. Hocevar noted that for most of the life science industry jobs now in demand, an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree is all that is needed to secure a job in laboratory research, quality assurance and control, or manufacturing processes. Graduate degrees are needed for more advanced positions such as chemical analysis, cellular biology, drug development, and clinical research.
  • Private venture capital firms need to include Connecticut companies in their portfolios, and these firms often look for a combination of bioscience, academia and manufacturing clusters when making a decision about where and if to invest.
  • Executive teams in the bioscience industry need to be actively recruited; access to trains, airports and shuttles makes this recruitment, and the recruitment of other employees, easier.
  • A state entity focused on bioscience needs to manage and oversee further investments in bioscience for at least the next half-decade.

Sen. Maroney Joins Senate Democrats as They Announce, “A Connecticut for All” Agenda

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Sen. Maroney Joins Senate Democrats as They Announce, “A Connecticut for All” Agenda

Bill proposals aim to support families and build a state for all our residents

HARTFORD, CT –Today, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) joined Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and other members of the Senate Democratic caucus at a press conference in the Legislative Office Building to announce, “A Connecticut for All,” the fourth of four legislative agendas for the 2020 legislative session from Senate Democrats. The series of bills outlined the policy proposals from Senate Democrats aim to support families and build a state for all our residents.

Sen. Maroney spoke at the press conference about the need to develop legislative solutions to deal with the issue of youth deaths by suicide. The Senator hosted a Suicide Prevention Policy Summit in December with fellow legislators and experts on the subject matter. He said taking legislative action will save lives.

“I strongly support and am proud to stand with my Democratic colleagues in the state Senate on these priorities,” said Sen. Maroney. “Specifically, our efforts to prevent youth suicide which are increasingly becoming more necessary. Suicide rates among young people and teenagers continue to climb, jumping 56 percent from 2007 to 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those ages 10 to 24 and we cannot allow this continue. We intend to pursue legislation to make sure that we are protecting our children and giving the tools and help that they need to protect their mental health.”

The legislative proposals in the “A Connecticut for All” agenda discussed today included:

SUPPORTING FAMILIES

Planned Parenthood Funding
To provide state funding for Planned Parenthood to counter the loss of federal Title X funding due to the Trump administration’s gag order.

Preventing Youth Suicide
To increase awareness, education and services to our youth around suicide prevention.

Diaper Changing Stations
To improve the health and safety of children by requiring all new or substantially renovated buildings that have public restrooms to provide at least one diaper changing table to women and men on each building floor that is accessible to the public.

PROTECTING CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS

Non-Disclosure Agreements
To stop employers from using non-disclosure agreements to silence victims of sexual harassment.

Captive Audience Meetings
To prohibit an employer from coercing employees into attending or participating in meetings sponsored by the employer concerning the employer’s views on religious or political matters.

Age Discrimination
To increase job protections for older workers in our state.

Narcan and Epi-Pens for Public Safety Officers
To increase the number of municipal and state police officers who carry life-saving Narcan
and EpiPens.

Read background information on the proposed legislation here.

Looney, Duff, Senate Democrats Announce “A Connecticut for All” Agenda

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Looney, Duff, Senate Democrats Announce “A Connecticut for All” Agenda

Bill proposals aim to support families and build a state for all our residents

Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and other members of the Senate Democratic caucus announced “A Connecticut for All,” the fourth of four legislative agendas for the 2020 legislative session from Senate Democrats. The series of bills outlined the policy proposals from Senate Democrats aim to support families and build a state for all our residents.

The legislative proposals in the “A Connecticut for All” agenda discussed today included:

SUPPORTING FAMILIES

Planned Parenthood Funding
To provide state funding for Planned Parenthood to counter the loss of federal Title X funding due to the Trump administration’s gag order.

Preventing Youth Suicide
To increase awareness, education and services to our youth around suicide prevention.

Diaper Changing Stations
To improve the health and safety of children by requiring all new or substantially renovated buildings that have public restrooms to provide at least one diaper changing table to women and men on each building floor that is accessible to the public.

PROTECTING CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS

Non-Disclosure Agreements
To stop employers from using non-disclosure agreements to silence victims of sexual harassment.

Captive Audience Meetings
To prohibit an employer from coercing employees into attending or participating in meetings sponsored by the employer concerning the employer’s views on religious or political matters.

Age Discrimination
To increase job protections for older workers in our state.

Narcan and Epi-Pens for Public Safety Officers
To increase the number of municipal and state police officers who carry life-saving Narcan
and EpiPens.

Read background information on the proposed legislation here.

Senators Lesser and Maroney Hold Prescription Drug and Long-Term Care Forum

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Senators Lesser and Maroney Hold Prescription Drug and Long-Term Care Forum

The Legislators Discussed Potential Legislative Measures to Make Prescription Drug Costs and Long-Term Care Affordable

ORANGE, CT – From the High Plains Community Center cafeteria in Orange, state Senators James Maroney (D-Milford) and Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), who is also Senate Chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, held a prescription drug and long-term care forum. The state legislators were joined by Gerard O’Sullivan and Paul Lombardo from Connecticut’s Insurance Department, AARP Associate State Director of Advocacy and Outreach Anna Doroghazi, and T1 International Connecticut Chapter Leader Kristin Daniels, as they discussed legislative methods to get control of skyrocketing prescription drug and long-term care costs in Connecticut.

The state Senate unveiled their policy priorities regarding healthcare this week in preparation for the 2020 legislative session. Session begins on Wednesday, February 5. Among the priorities was lowering the cost of prescription drugs. Additionally, the Senate discussed establishing a public option for health insurance, which was the brainchild of Sen. Lesser during the 2019 legislative session. The public option would create competition in the health insurance marketplace, thus bringing down prices for consumers. Sen. Lesser said the cost of care must come down.

“I was grateful to join my friend Senator Maroney in his district, to have the opportunity to hear how these critical insurance issues affect people in Orange,” said Sen. Lesser. “In 2020 I am serious about tackling the insulin affordability crisis, lowering the cost of prescription drugs – including with safe, affordable prescription drugs from Canada and helping people afford long term care insurance.”

Prices continue to rise at rapid rates. According to an RX Price Watch report, from the AARP Public Policy Institute, brand name drug prices increased more than twice as quickly as inflation in 2018. Additionally, according to the report, “For over a decade, annual brand name drug price increases have exceeded the general inflation rate by 2-fold to more than 100-fold.”

These unreasonable and exploitative price hikes specifically affect those with chronic ailments. The average annual cost for one brand name medication used on a chronic basis was more than $7,200 in 2018, almost four times higher than in 2006, according to the report. The numbers are even more damaging to an individual’s bottom line if they require insulin. According to an AARP report from August 2019, Lantus, a form of insulin used to treat diabetes, increased from $2,907 per year to $4,702 per year.
“The price of care in our state and country is completely out of control,” said Sen. Maroney. “This legislative session, we are committed to passing legislation that lessens the cost burden on Connecticut residents and working families. I am grateful to state Senator Matt Lesser, AARP, T1 International, the state’s insurance department and those who attended tonight’s important forum.”

The price-gouging is also prevalent in long-term care. The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) reports average annual spending of $100,000 for a nursing home, $45,000 for assisted living and $33,000 for in-home care. They also report the average premium is $2,050 per year for a man aged 55 and jumps to $2,700 for a woman of the same age. What’s more, premiums can rise anywhere from 25 percent to 100 percent, per the BPC.

These excessive prices have a real effect on Connecticut seniors and families. According to the Population Reference Bureau, Connecticut has the 14th oldest population in the country. This distinction makes long-term care a necessity for many as this insurance covers, among other things, the costs of a nursing home, assisted living or in-home care, according to the AARP.

Sen. Maroney to Hold Community Conversation in Orange on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 6 pm

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Sen. Maroney to Hold Community Conversation in Orange on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 6 pm

HARTFORD, CT – From the High Plains Community Center in Orange on Thursday, January 30 from 6 pm-8 pm, state Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) will hold a community conversation to touch base with constituents prior to the beginning of the 2020 legislative session.

The legislative session begins on Wednesday, February 5 and concludes on Wednesday, May 6. Sen. Maroney recently held community conversations in West Haven and Milford and previously held a prescription drug and long-term care forum in Orange at the High Plains Community Center.

There is much to discuss. In addition to the start of session, this month, Sen. Maroney was named Senate Chair of the legislature’s General Law Committee. Sen. Maroney said he plans to tackle robocalls, the opioid crisis and strengthen consumer protection efforts.

“I am excited to begin work as Senate Chair of this important committee,” said Sen. Maroney. “Furthermore, I am hopeful to hear from constituents at the upcoming community conversation about how I can best serve them as Senate Chair of this committee, and as their state Senator.”

Sens. Maroney and Lesser Hold Prescription Drug and Long-Term Care Forum

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Sens. Maroney and Lesser Hold Prescription Drug and Long-Term Care Forum

The Legislators Discussed Potential Legislative Measures to Make Prescription Drug Costs and Long-Term Care Affordable

ORANGE, CT – From the High Plains Community Center cafeteria in Orange, state Senators James Maroney (D-Milford) and Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), who is also Senate Chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, held a prescription drug and long-term care forum. The state legislators were joined by Gerard O’Sullivan and Paul Lombardo from Connecticut’s Insurance Department, AARP Associate State Director of Advocacy and Outreach Anna Doroghazi, and T1 International Connecticut Chapter Leader Kristin Daniels, as they discussed legislative methods to get control of skyrocketing prescription drug and long-term care costs in Connecticut.

The state Senate unveiled their policy priorities regarding healthcare this week in preparation for the 2020 legislative session. Session begins on Wednesday, February 5. Among the priorities was lowering the cost of prescription drugs. Additionally, the Senate discussed establishing a public option for health insurance, which was the brainchild of Sen. Lesser during the 2019 legislative session. The public option would create competition in the health insurance marketplace, thus bringing down prices for consumers. Sen. Lesser said the cost of care must come down.

“I was grateful to join my friend Senator Maroney in his district, to have the opportunity to hear how these critical insurance issues affect people in Orange,” said Sen. Lesser. “In 2020 I am serious about tackling the insulin affordability crisis, lowering the cost of prescription drugs – including with safe, affordable prescription drugs from Canada and helping people afford long term care insurance.”

Prices continue to rise at rapid rates. According to an RX Price Watch report, from the AARP Public Policy Institute, brand name drug prices increased more than twice as quickly as inflation in 2018. Additionally, according to the report, “For over a decade, annual brand name drug price increases have exceeded the general inflation rate by 2-fold to more than 100-fold.”

These unreasonable and exploitative price hikes specifically affect those with chronic ailments. The average annual cost for one brand name medication used on a chronic basis was more than $7,200 in 2018, almost four times higher than in 2006, according to the report. The numbers are even more damaging to an individual’s bottom line if they require insulin. According to an AARP report from August 2019, Lantus, a form of insulin used to treat diabetes, increased from $2,907 per year to $4,702 per year.
“The price of care in our state and country is completely out of control,” said Sen. Maroney. “This legislative session, we are committed to passing legislation that lessens the cost burden on Connecticut residents and working families. I am grateful to state Senator Matt Lesser, AARP, T1 International, the state’s insurance department and those who attended tonight’s important forum.”

The price-gouging is also prevalent in long-term care. The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) reports average annual spending of $100,000 for a nursing home, $45,000 for assisted living and $33,000 for in-home care. They also report the average premium is $2,050 per year for a man aged 55 and jumps to $2,700 for a woman of the same age. What’s more, premiums can rise anywhere from 25 percent to 100 percent, per the BPC.

These excessive prices have a real effect on Connecticut seniors and families. According to the Population Reference Bureau, Connecticut has the 14th oldest population in the country. This distinction makes long-term care a necessity for many as this insurance covers, among other things, the costs of a nursing home, assisted living or in-home care, according to the AARP.