ConnPACE is the state prescription drug assistance program for people with low incomes. In October 2003, the State instituted an asset test for ConnPACE eligibility; a single person could not have assets exceeding $100,000 and married couples could not have more then $125,000 in assets. In addition to the asset test, the State also added a provision that allowed estate recovery of ConnPACE expenditures made on behalf of beneficiaries beginning September 1, 2003. However, legislation passed by the State legislature, signed into law on June 1, repeals the asset test for eligibility. A new law also eliminates the estate recovery provision associated with the ConnPACE benefit.

In order to be eligible for ConnPACE, an applicant has to be either 65 or over, or over 18 and disabled and have an annual income for 2008 of less than $23,700 if single or $31,900  if married. Applicants also can not have other prescription drug coverage. Many Connecticut residents who were otherwise eligible, were unable to qualify due to the asset limitations implemented last year. In light of this recent change, persons who were deemed ineligible because of their assets are now encouraged to apply for ConnPACE. The Governor has directed the Department of Social Services to send letters to those former ConnPACE enrollees who were made ineligible to ask them to reapply.

While the estate recovery provisions were never formally implemented, persons receiving ConnPACE may have dropped out of the ConnPACE program due to the potential of estate recovery. Those persons are also encouraged to reapply for ConnPACE with the assurance that estate recovery will not be sought.

Seniors and those with disabilities who want to re-enroll in ConnPACE or have further questions about their eligibility should contact the ConnPACE program directly by calling (800) 423-5026 or (860) 832-9265, by visiting www.connpace.com or by contacting the CHOICES program at 1-800-994-9422.

© Copyright, Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc. 05/05/2008