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-&-community-based care
- Mandatory employee medical and family leave
- Increased funding for the Elder Transportation Program
Promotion of Quality and Self-Determination in Healthcare
- Patient’s Bill of Rights for Palliative Care and Pain Management
- 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
Preservation of Legal Rights
- Inclusion of age classification in hate crimes law
- Creation of law prohibiting age discrimination in employment
- Elder-specific protections regarding abuse, neglect, & exploitation
Protection of Income and Assets and Relief from Financial Hardship
- Enhanced fuel assistance access, eligibility, buying power, and state funding to replace federal cuts
- 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 & 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
