In 2005 Joseph Stango, a Southbury, Connecticut resident, attempted to bring his 83-year-old mother, Dora, home from a skilled nursing facility. Stango learned, however, that because his mother’s care was paid by Medicaid, the government health insurance for lowincome elderly and disabled persons, Dora Stango’s benefits would not follow her home. Unable to afford the cost of caring for his mother at home, Stango was forced to leave her in the nursing facility. Thus began a quest by Stango to bring “Medicaid Choice” to Connecticut.

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Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that Connecticut is receiving a $24.2 million federal grant to pioneer new ways of helping people move from nursing facilities and other institutions to life at home with family and friends. The initiative has become known in Connecticut as Money Follows the Person.

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SOUTHBURY — Elderly people and their families soon will have a place to get information about Medicaid benefits for themselves and relatives. Gov. M. Jodi Rell has signed a bill that sets aside $1 million to create an Age and Disability Resource Center, a clearinghouse where anyone in Connecticut can get clear and accurate information about their benefits and care options. Sponsored by Rep. Arthur J. O’Neill, RSouthbury, the bill was the brainchild of Joseph Stango of Southbury, who successfully lobbied for a program that allows nursing home residents to return home and not lose financial aid. The program, called Money Follows the Person, will bring the state $24.2 million in federal support to help residents with the transition to home care. It will allow 700 people to receive home care over five years. A separate bill introduced by O’Neill would have expanded the program to serve more people, but it was not considered. Stango said he will ask O’Neill to resubmit the bill next year.

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