Since its founding, COVE has been a strong and consistent voice in public policy decision-making – a voice which advocates for the dignity, security and well-being of Vermont’s senior citizens. Through legislative testimony, public education, and active membership on state advisory boards and committees, COVE staff and volunteers have helped to pass many precedent-setting laws. These include:Increased Supports for Independent Living
- Telephone Lifeline Subsidy Program
- Expanded Eligibility & Funding for Home and Community-based Care
- Mandatory Employee Medical and Family Leave
- Increased Funding for the Elder Transportation Program
- Patient Bill of Rights for Hospitals and Nursing Homes
- Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
- Creation of the Office of Healthcare Ombudsman
- Needs assessment for kidney dialysis services in Vermont
- Inclusion of Age Classification in Hate Crimes Law
- Creation of Law Prohibiting Age Discrimination in Employment
- Elder-specific Protections Regarding Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
- Expansion of Prescription Drug Assistance for Elders with Low and Moderate Incomes
- Property Tax Relief for Caregivers and Elders in Shared Housing
- Increases in Protected Income and Monthly Personal Needs Allowances for Medicaid Recipients
- Protection for Consumers in Prepaid Funeral Contracts
- Expanded Power of Attorney Laws, Including Joint Fiduciary Bank Accounts
- Stronger Requirements for Pharmacy Cost Containment
- Enhanced Assistance with Medicare Premiums, Deductibles, and Co-payments
In 2009, COVE successfully fought off the Governor’s call for the elimination of the VPharm program which serves 13,000 Vermont seniors. COVE was also successful in stopping the elimination of the SSI COLA.
In 2010, COVE worked on increasing the eligibility levels for Fuel Assistance by removing the asset test. This allowed thousands of new senior households to receive heating assistance. COVE also blocked the Administration’s proposal to enhance estate recovery for Medicaid recipients which would have included placing liens on Medicaid recipients homes.
In 2011, COVE successfully blocked the Administration’s call for over $5 million in cuts to home and community based long term care services. This change would have placed approximately 1,500 seniors in danger of being placed in nursing homes.
